In 1989, third generation Charlestonian and artist John Chitwood graduated from the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, and returned to his hometown. Having learned the timeless theories of composition and color as well as methods of painting and drawing by hand, Chitwood spent the next decade building a diverse career in the creative arts.
In 2000, he opened Renaissart Graphic Design downtown on upper King Street. Then in 2017, he relocated the studio across the Cooper River to Chuck Dawley Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. That year, he was invited to be the featured poster artist for Piccolo Spoleto and his love for illustrative art was instantly rekindled. Buoyed by the overwhelming success of the piece called “Music Lessons,” he has created numerous works inspired by the unique architecture of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry’s lush landscape.
As a computer illustrator, Chitwood uses a screen instead of a canvas. Rather than a pen or brush, his technique requires a mouse and stylus. Much of his work, he said, is derived from composited photos, or separate elements taken from an image and combined into a compositional narrative. He then plays with textures and colors to create a unified look and feel that emulates a painterly approach.
With a passion for the whimsical, Chitwood often weaves subtle and even hidden elements such as birds, bees or butterflies into his computer illustrations so that viewers may spot something new every time they look at his work.
Although the computer is the essential tool, Chitwood’s methods are not to be confused with AI artwork, a technology that relies on keywords and text prompts that direct the AI software to produce an image. With Chitwood’s artwork, the decisions and choices are driven solely by his own creativity.
To make his pieces accessible to locals as well as tourists, Chitwood recently launched a new website, artofcharleston.com. A wall preview feature helps shoppers figure out the correct size of the artwork in proportion to their space. Or if using a mobile device, a live preview AR option allows customers to get an idea of what Chitwood’s pieces will look like once installed in their own home. The user-friendly site also offers visitors a gallery tour where his work can be purchased in an infinite variety of mediums such as photo paper, fine art papers, canvas, metal, wood and acrylic, along with greeting cards, tote bags, throw pillows, phone cases, magnets and more. Its online shop is a fantastic resource whether designing a home or searching for the perfect gift for the person who has everything.
“People should buy art because it makes them happy, because it speaks to them,” Chitwood said. “Their choices are typically based around color schemes, collections or themes. I often approach my art that way, with a prominent color or subject theme in mind.”
John Chitwood added that he creates a new piece every month or so to add to his collection. His work can be experienced in real life at the Edisto Art Gallery. Visit edistoartgallery.com to learn more.
By Sarah Rose
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