Published: May 01, 2008 11:30 pm            

Artist Courtland Blade unveils new exhibition at Coffee Grounds

TERRE HAUTE — Terre Haute native son Courtland Blade unveils his new exhibition this month downtown at Coffee Grounds.

This kinetic look at figures, portraits and cityscapes captures the energy and creative interpretations of Terre Haute and the people within.

An award-winning artist, Blade’s works are featured in various private and public collections. He has received numerous awards such as Best Painting Award in a 2006 student art show at the University of Indianapolis, the Heady-Sundown Juried Art Competition Artist Choice Award at the Terre Haute Street Fair 2007 and The Permanent Art Collection Purchase Award at Indiana State University 2008.

“I’ve always had a love for art and drawing as a child, but it was my teacher at Terre Haute North High School, Mr. Don Turner, who really encouraged my passion for art,” Blade said. After attending Vincennes University, where he received training in drawing, ceramics and printmaking, he transferred to the University of Indianapolis to receive formal training in oil painting. For completion of his bachelor’s degree of fine arts this year, Blade has studied photography and continued painting at Indiana State University.

“The world around me is my inspiration. If I see a good composition, a glimpse of beauty, or certain energy in a scene or object, I’m compelled to paint it. Ever since I picked up a paint brush, I’ve loved it and am propelled to create with this media,” said Blade. With oil painting being his primary media, his dark backgrounds help his subjects spring from the canvas.

“Courtland is a fantastic addition to Terre Haute’s strong tradition of painters. He will observe a cityscape or a portrait, note a sense of solitude, and then inject it with energy, giving the subject a new and different life,” said Jon Robeson, executive director of Arts Illiana.

Courtland Blade’s exhibition begins today and continues throughout June at 423 Wabash Ave. in downtown Terre Haute.

        

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