Original soft pastel & charcoal

Fine art painter, accident maker.

My work is about emotion, connection, and the stories we carry with us.

One-of-a-kind originals, each signed and ready to ship within the US. Custom commissions welcome.

I Am No Man, soft pastel painting by Chad McLaren
I Am No ManSoft pastelPrints available →

Exhibited at

  • PAPA Gallery
  • Hotel 1857
  • Murray Art Guild
  • Mayfield Graves County Art Guild
  • LowerTown Arts & Music Festival

Signature pieces

Selected works

The pieces people ask about most, including a few that have already found homes.

A set of six

The Alice Series

Down the rabbit hole in soft pastel. The first five originals have all found homes; Goodbye Alice was the first piece in my Signature Series of limited-edition prints.

Get Alice release news

Goodbye Alice, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
Goodbye AliceOriginal soldLimited edition sold outDeckled-edge special edition available · $189 →Signature Series No. 1
Schrödinger’s Grin, soft pastel Cheshire Cat by Chad McLaren
Schrödinger’s GrinOriginal soldLimited edition sold outDeckled-edge special edition available · $189 →
Hello Alice, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
Hello AliceOriginal soldLimited edition prints · $64.99 →
A Curious Conversation, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
A Curious ConversationOriginal soldLimited edition sold outHear about new Alice releases — join the list →
Tea Time, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
Tea TimeOriginal soldLimited edition prints · $69.99 →
Spot of Tea, soft pastel of a mouse peeking over a teapot by Chad McLaren
Spot of TeaOriginal available at The PAPA GalleryInspired by the Dormouse from Tea Time
Dreams of Middle-earth, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
Dreams of Middle-earth
The Boy Who Cried Wolf, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Girl with the Pearl Nosering, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
The Girl with the Pearl Nosering
Friends of a Feather, soft pastel by Chad McLaren
Friends of a Feather

Seen a piece at a show and can’t stop thinking about it? Put its title in the subject line and I’ll get back to you.

Ask about a piece
I don’t want my paintings to tell people what to feel. I want them to give people a reason to feel something at all.

Chad McLaren

Chad McLaren at the easel

Meet the artist

Hey there, I’m Chad.

My work is about emotion, connection, and the stories we carry with us.

Regardless of the medium, I am drawn to subjects that feel human: faces, figures, animals, and moments that suggest something beyond what is immediately visible. Much of my work can be playful, but I don’t shy away from the dark.

“I don’t want my work to simply reproduce what a photograph shows. I want it to capture what an idea feels like.”
From my artist statement

Read my story

Commissions

Transform your ideas into timeless pieces of art.

Whether you have a cherished photo you’d like me to reimagine in my vibrant style, or an idea inspired by a dream or concept, I’d love to collaborate with you.

From $25011×14″ unframed soft pastel, US shipping included
$850Full-size 18×26″ piece
50% depositto reserve your spot and begin
Pets & peoplefamily portraits, pets, or something else entirely
Start a commission

Art with Purpose. 25% of every pet portrait commission goes to the McCracken County Humane Society. Learn more

Pua, soft pastel pet portrait commission
PuaSoft pastel · Pet commission

See the work in person

Come say hello

All events
Happy Accident Gallery booth at an outdoor art festival
Fri & SatNov
6–7

Murray Art Guild Holiday Sale

Murray Art Guild · Fri 4–8pm · Sat 8am–2pm

I will be back at this well attended event, but this time at a new, beautiful venue! I will have new pieces, merch and more on display.

My work is also on display at

  • PAPA GalleryDowntown Paducah, KY
  • Mayfield Graves County Art GuildMayfield, KY
  • Murray Art GuildMurray, KY

The monthly newsletter

The stories behind the art, before anyone else.

If you’re interested in my work, the real behind-the-scenes of life as a full-time artist, or simply want to know what I’ve been creating each month, I’d love for you to join my monthly newsletter.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime. Form not showing? Sign up here.

Charcoal detail from Fallen Soft pastel detail from Closing Time