4 Artists Living in Illinois
These four artists living in Illinois create art in four different ways. Given their unique life experiences and artistic journeys, we’d expect nothing less! From ornate and nostalgic to imaginative and surreal, we’re looking at four artists and the way they’re influenced, or not, by residing in the Land of Lincoln.
With such vast farmland, interesting presidential history, and the famous Windy City, Illinois is filled with a balance of rich rural life and metropolitan liveliness. It makes sense that artists calling this midwest area home would be inspired by their natural environment and iconic surroundings. While we often see Illinois artwork highlighting cornfields, skyscrapers, or The Bean in Chicago, artists can find inspiration in a variety of places. Sometimes, where you’re from drives what you create, but that’s not always the case.
From eccentric portraits to food still lifes, the work from these artists can bring colorful whimsy, urban excitement, and more types of vibes to your space. Whether you prefer vivid photography or detailed paintings, keep scrolling to find a new favorite artist.
1. Caitlin Vera
Chicago artist Caitlin Vera creates digital art photography of scenic landscapes and urban views. Her location’s influence is very noticeable in her Chi-town photos featuring iconic city staples like the Canal Street Bridge, The Loop, and the Navy Pier Ferris wheel. With less obvious photos like specific bars and closeups of trains, we love how it takes a real Chicago native to recognize these places.
From the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge lit up in neon to the Chicago River full of ice, we think her vivid artwork can be a great way to celebrate the excitement and beauty of the Windy City.
Click here to see all of Caitlin Vera’s artwork available on iCanvas.
2. Paula Nathan
Paula Nathan, a Chicago-based artist, creates paintings of buildings, streets, city posters, and scenery across the world. We can see her direct Illinois inspiration in her prints of Chicago neighborhoods, including everything from building entryways in Sheridan Park to the Brown Line stop on Belmont Avenue. By incorporating places that typically only locals would know of, she pulls us into the daily life and rich history of these areas.
From a house with bay windows in Lincoln Park to a front porch in Albany Park, we think her artwork can be a lovely way to embrace the ornate details of the city with nostalgic vibes.
Click here to see all of Paula Nathan’s artwork available on iCanvas.
3. David Hinds
Based in Springfield, Illinois, David Hinds’ paintings feature lush landscapes, people, charming animals, and more. While his home’s influence can be seen in portraits of Abraham Lincoln, along with depictions of Illinois cities and towns, it’s not as obvious in the majority of his collection. With paintings of farm scenes, still life flower vases, and famous faces, his eclectic artwork is filled with quirky characters and nature.
From the Starry Night over Galena to delicious cinnamon rolls with a bowl of fruit, we think his artwork can be a fun way to bring a touch of colorful whimsy to your space.
Click here to see all of David Hinds’ artwork available on iCanvas.
4. Bob Doucette
Peoria-based artist Bob Doucette creates saturated paintings featuring imaginative portraiture. With his work focused on eccentric beings and the occasional touch of surreal, we can’t see any direct Illinois impact throughout his paintings. Incorporating odd proportions, intricately detailed attire, and fantastical elements that pull us into dream worlds, his creations are full of interesting human subjects.
From Edgar Allen Poe sitting on top of his gravestone to a woman wearing a honeycomb dress with branches and blooms in her hair, we think his artwork can be a great way to dive into unusual imagery.
Click here to see all of Bob Doucette’s artwork available on iCanvas.
Want to see even more? Click here to check out all the artists available on iCanvas, or click here if you’re interested in seeing more art featuring Illinois.