While Chenoweth paints brightly-colored, acrylic renditions of local landmarks using a style nicknamed “electric impressionism”, Kauffman sketches charcoal and graphite portraits of Oklahomans in an attempt to keep the tradition of portraiture alive. Their complementary styles work together to provide a glimpse into contemporary Tulsa art.
Heathyr Chenoweth began finger painting at the age of five. Early on her father coined the term “electric impressionism” to describe her painting style. A lover of working with acrylic paint, she hesitates limiting herself to one medium and still likes to paint with her fingers. “I am still a fan of finger painting, though lately, when my painting is finished I add bright colored paint markers which add movement to the pieces.”
A few of Chenoweth’s influences are: Andy Warhol, Saul Bass, Mr. Rogers, and Will Rogers. She also looks through books and art magazine to gain new ideas and finds the library a wonderful place for inspiration.
“Life can be really hard, and I like for my art to bring a ray of hope and something positive. I am constantly learning and evolving and updating my techniques. I like to go on photography sprees and then paint my photographs. I want the world to be as colorful as possible.” Chenoweth also helps bring color to others by teaching art lessons through Canvas Oklahoma and the Tulsa Art Center.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Maegan Kauffman graduated from Skiatook High School in 2005, before receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from OU. Drawing is her passion. As she describes: “Working with charcoal and graphite allows me to achieve the values and high contrast I desire in my pieces. I love the challenge of translating a face to paper. I want my portraits to be viewed as if sharing a glance with a stranger on a sidewalk.”
Kauffman is fascinated by the role art has played in history and the way people and places have been preserved through the eyes of artists long before photography was developed. She describes always being reminded of artists who came before and who will follow her when she thinks about her own work. “Perhaps it’s the romantic quality that portraits possess or my appreciation for artistic documentation that drives me to keep it alive in the 21st century”.
Urban Tulsa Weekly article, Jan. 9, 2013
Heathyr Chenoweth’s website