Additionally, in 2015 one of my Iowa landscapes was chosen as banner art for the MFA Creative Writing Program at Iowa State University in Ames, IA.; and early in 2016, I finished a successful one-man show at The Biomedical Research Facility at the University of Iowa Medical Campus in Iowa City, IA.

In 2018 I was truly honored to be chosen as the Commemorative Print Artist for the 25th Annual St. Louis Art Fair in Clayton Mo. In 2020 I was selected as the poster artist for the well-known 57th Street Art Fair, in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago posters were to hang throughout the city including the “magic mile” on Michigan Avenue. All of the great publicity never happened. The show was shut down by the Covid virus quarantine.

My style has developed from the need to “un-trap myself” from an artistic routine and to explore other expressive and creative opportunities. Twenty three years later, my work has come full circle. It was once described on the Des Moines based Kavanaugh Gallery's website: 'His muted colors and distinct choice of subject matter have attracted collectors throughout the nation. Many of Chehak's paintings emerge directly from his imagination.' My subjects have included urban scenes in New York, Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans, but I still prefer the sedate, yet captivating, landscapes of the Midwest. Rural compositions of rolling hills, farmlands and red barns characterize my earliest unique style. I'm particularly fond of the symmetry and beauty of buildings and other structures, both urban and rural. In recent years my work has taken on new and unique personalities with more vibrant colors, symmetry, and compelling presentation.

A few years ago, an online reviewer wrote, “Native Iowan John Chehak is a masterful draftsman and painter…His wide expanse of expertise and style make his artwork a treat to explore.” Regardless of description, I still strive to create original work in style, color, and subject matter. For the past thirteen years my wife and I have participated in exclusive juried art fairs in Chicago, Marion Ia, Evanston, Minneapolis, Edina, Omaha, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Winnetka, Geneva, Wheaton, Oconomowoc, Naperville, St. Charles, Peoria, Northbrook, St. Louis, and Madison.

What inspired you? I guess my immediate inspiration was to see if someone else enjoyed my art. Even more inspirational is when someone actually purchased a painting. It was a validation of my work. I was also inspired by the hundreds of artists I met and admired at the shows.

How would you describe your artwork? Fun, unique subject matter, bright colors, affordable, just the right size. After a while I noticed that my artwork could be categorized into six unique subsets: Contemporary, Reflection Series, Urban Crowding, Landscapes, Architecture, and My Birds. There is a gallery page on my website (www.easelwork.com) that shows general examples of my work. Contemporary is my catch-all category for paintings that don’t easily fit into one of the other categories.

Technical steps: I do not use a regular easel. I lay the canvas onto a 4-foot by 8-foot wooden homemade fixture that sits at about a 30-degree angle. Same for the paper substrate except I tape it onto the board. My favorite work is on 140lb paper using undiluted acrylic paint. Also, I found that using an acrylic clear coat on top of my paintings not only makes the colors pop but it also protects it, especially from sunlight. I experiment with hot air sources (blow dryer or even a paint stripper) to quickly dry the paint as needed. This allows me to apply layers of paint quickly and I admit it took a little practice with the paint stripper which obviously generates very high heat. I finally use a backing board, mat board, a light weight acrylic (plastic) cover and frame the results. I use the same simple black frame on all my pieces to not complicate the presentation with loud and different frame styles that detract from the painting. The end result is a uniform high quality presentation at juried art fairs in the Midwest.

What do you hope to communicate? A happy emotion, a smile, a discussion about my work and an affordable way to take my original work home.

Biggest learning experience For me, when doing shows and fairs I have to remember that for every one hundred people that walk by only a handful or so will actually stop in and look at my art. I can analyze this two ways: 85-90% of the people don’t like my art or are at the show to simply exercise their dog OR remind myself that 10-15% of the people are interested. Remember that these people liked your work enough to consider buying. I give each one of them my fullest attention. I don’t sit down and let them look freely. To me that’s ignoring them. They want to talk to me. I acknowledge them and ask if they would like to hear the story about the artwork they are looking at.

Biggest success: Easy. At the 2018 St Louis Art Fair in Clayton, Missouri I attended the show with close to forty paintings. I went home with two. I had to cancel a couple of shows scheduled for the next month due to lack of inventory. 

Piece of advice: I used to be a perfectionist. But I think I have changed and I am no longer overly critical of my work. We all have different likes and dislikes in the world of art. Like I mentioned before,when I’m selling at art fairs, for every one hundred people that walk by my booth about 10-15 will actually come in and look. I take the positive attitude that it is an incredible 10-15 percent of the people who walked by my booth liked my art. Whether it’s 2,000 or 20,000 people that pass through a show in a weekend, the possibilities add up. 

Advice for artists who want to submit: Be confident in yourself. Reread above topics: Biggest Learning Experience, Biggest Success Story, and Piece of Advice. If you can attend a show nearby, do so and talk to the artists. Remember that the art does not sell itself. Be prepared to commit to the expense of purchasing products necessary to present yourself as a serious artist. Buy the best you can. Your first impression to the public is the one they remember.

Dream: I would be honored to be represented in my hometown Museum of Art. The same museum that contains many pieces of art from artists I am familiar with, and I personally knew and currently know.

Advice to Fellow Artists: It’s so easy or should I say comfortable to stay within your own boundaries of subject matter, technique, type of medium, and color choices. But I suggest you experiment with color palette, subject matter and technique. You will discover a whole new way of understanding your process. I still find it difficult to use lime green color. Unfortunately, I’m getting older now and realize I have lost some of the desire to change my comfort limits. However, painting is not the kind of “job” you can ever retire from easily.

John Chehak
4000 Cottage Grove Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403
319-899-6043
[email protected] email