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Artist Spotlight - Christopher Tuscan: Capturing the Vibrance of Chicago on Canvas
Artist in the City
Below the towering skyscrapers of Chicago is a vibrant, splashing pool of culture. The incredible ethnic diversity of this beloved American city has long roused innovative music, cuisine, entertainment and art. This boundless energy is what inspires artist Christopher Tuscan to paint his spirited portraits in oil.
"I have over 45 paintings that capture the diversity of Chicago." says Christopher, "They are all in frames from pictureframes.com."
Christopher finds his muses at the city's legendary parades and festivals, "I was amazed at the enthusiasm. The participants are fascinating subjects to paint. I want to present all this love from these parades in their vivid glory."
One Man — Many Skills
Christopher's oil paintings are full of life captured during these colorful Chicago moments. "I want the viewer to fall into the subject's eyes, personality and body language — to question or wonder what type of life the subject has led or is leading — to consider what the character is thinking at that exact moment."
Beyond portraits and landscapes painted plein air — a practice he loves, because "it is great getting outside, relaxing and having something to show at the end of the day" — Christopher is also known as a successful graphic designer. He began his freelance graphic design business, DogHouse Studio, Inc., in 1985. Since then, www.doghousestudio.com has attracted a long list of high profile businesses and agencies just clamoring for Tuscan's design genius.
Where Have I Seen This Before?
You probably see Christopher's work every day and don't even know it. His fun designs and logos appear all over marketing campaigns for popular products you use all the time.
In 2002, Christopher was complimented when he was commissioned to paint a fine art portrait of Miguel Bose who was nominated for Artist of the Year at the Latin GRAMMY Awards. He also designed three cows for the Chicago "Cow's On Parade," in 1999-2000, that launched the entire cow sculpture phenomenon, now the world's largest public art event. "It was great working with the clients directly," he remembers.
Christopher designed and painted cow sculptures for the Illinois State Lottery, Chicago Historical Society and Allen Edmond Shoes. "The shoe cow also went on display in Milwaukee," says Christopher, who, as a result, enjoyed lunch with the mayor of Milwaukee.
"Shirts, Shoes and Frames Required"
If you're going to display your art in a gallery, you have to have it framed.
"I generally use a basic metal frame for my paintings." says Christopher.
"I use black for my portraits and white for the landscapes." In keeping with Christopher's penchant for simple frames, a particular favorite of his, when not opting for black or white, is the J7 frame. A moulding from the Framer's Choice Collection, it's a classic gold wood frame, with an elegant linen liner built-in — perfect for a man who needs only a modest adornment for his colorful work.
His latest show was held at the historic University Club of Chicago overlooking the new Millennium Park. Another show titled "Chicago Jazz, Dance and Blues" was juried by the famous Ed Paschke. He picked 18 paintings from 400 to be included in the show, and Christopher's "Spanish Dancers" was one of the chosen few.
So when it comes to the perfect complement for his fine art, Christopher Tuscan has shopped frames at pictureframes.com for over 20 years. He's a fan of online specials, loves trying out his work in the framing treatments of his choice, via Personal Frame Shop, and refers the website to fellow artists and friends whenever they're in need of frames.
"It has been so long that I do not recall how I found [pictureframes.com]. You might have found me," says Christopher.
Chris — we found each other.
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