Original soft pastel & charcoal
Fine art painter, accident maker.
My work is about emotion, connection, and the stories we carry with us.
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.
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 pieceAvailable now
Original works
One-of-a-kind soft pastel and charcoal originals, each signed and ready to ship within the US.
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
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.”
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.
Art with Purpose. 25% of every pet portrait commission goes to the McCracken County Humane Society. Learn more
See the work in person
Come say hello
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.
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