Chuck Prudhomme’s oil work “One for the Road.”
(Jim #8) — “Next month I’m riding my motorcycle to Nova Scotia,” artist Chuck Prudhomme told me last night at the Vintage Wine Bar and Restaurant in downtown Redding. And my thoughts went something like this: Would my old bike make it to the East Coast? How does one ferry a motorcycle to Nova Scotia? Isn’t it too early in the season to do a ride like that? And, could Chuck Prudhomme be any more of a “seize the day” kind of a guy?
I wrote about Chuck and his artistry recently in one of my last assignments at the newspaper. On Tuesday, I was excited to hear him speak at the Vintage, where he was having a reception for his oil paintings as part of a recently launched program by Hawkman Studios. Artists Troy Hawkins and Adam Mankoski are working with area restaurants and businesses to present exhibits in non-traditional venues. Their program is called “Art for all Spaces.”
Vintage owners Janis Logan and Alex Gaxiola are already to be commended for providing a hip room for live acoustic music. Now the restaurant’s walls are filling up with ever-changing images by north state artisans. It creates a rich environment to visit, and I certainly hopes it boosts business for places like the Vintage.
But back to Chuck for a moment. Former helicopter pilot (and we’re talking serious — ‘Nam, ocean rescue, fire drops), but now he paints. He tries to keep his process free of too many expectations. He often drives toward the coast or desert in his van, sees something that inspires him, paints, moves on.
You’ve got a good thing going, Chuck…
I haven’t seen Chuck in a few years, but I knew him by reputation before I ever met him. As a helicopter “check airman”–the guy who makes sure other pilots are competent in their jobs–he had few peers in terms of how he was regarded by other pilots.
It amazes me that one guy can have that much in the way of both left brain and right brain talent.
Okay, here’s the truth: people like Chuck really piss me off, and keep my reservoir of envy filled to the brim. But I wish him well anyway.
Amazing talent. And the right frame of mind/ life mantra, no?
This painting looks a lot like Edward Hopper. I saw a Hopper exhibition a few years back and this one could have been on the wall beside any one of Hopper’s, easily. It’s fantastic.
“Ever-changing images” indeed. Sometimes they just fly off the walls.
We haven’t forgotten about that yet, Bruce. And you didn’t take me up on my offer of a beer at Vintage on Tuesday. Now, I’m hurt. And you’ll get a bill. Tell Kimberly “Hi” for us.
Thanks, Jim, for the shout-out. We feel privileged to be part of the creative community here. Can’t wait for your new arts site. Keep us posted!
We agree that Chuck is an amazing guy. We thank him for letting us show his work.
Adam,
Sorry, but I’ll definitely take a rain check.
Thanks for all the kind words Jim. I’m humbled! Will be there saturday to hear your “art’! Cheers! Chuck
What’s up uncle Chuck? Cool painting. Sarabeth and I got your card about your show too. That’s pretty cool. Good luck on your cross country adventure. We will be up there in the summer to get our painting so I can show you off down here in LBC. I couldn’t be a prouder nephew. You’re a stud man.
As Chuck’s mother-in-law I couldn’t be prouder! I love his work and hope to keep adding to my collection which began even before he married my daughter. He’s also a great teacher, although he didn’t have much luck with me and oils.
Terry and I love you and we’ll see you again in June. Keep up the good work and enjoy…
Hey Dad, I have told you this many times and I’m sure you’ll hear it many more times, but I’m extremely proud of you and all of your accomplishments. You never cease to amaze me. Every time I turn around you are pulling something else out of your hat! I love the paintings, the colors, the Spirit, YOUR SPIRIT. Thank you for teaching and my family and me the art of finding the beauty in anything. I think somebody described you as “Seize the Day” kind of guy. They hit the nail on the head with that.
I love you!
Most of you only know Chuck for his beautiful artwork, but we have been fortunate enough to know the beauty of his spirit and soul. His spirit is projected in all his paintings and his soul is projected in the love for his wonderful wife, Shay, and his family.
We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this success than Chuck. May there be many more years of inspiration and success to come your way.
We love you!!!!
See you in May.
Love,
Steve, Kathy and Bubba Lou
Hey buddy, knowing you for almost forty years, I can honestly say that you still amaze me. Through the flight school years, Viet Nam, flying EMS missions together, and tipping a few, makes me proud to know you. You’ve taken the stick out of the helicopter and started a new mission by putting paint on a new stick. I’m very proud of you for what you are doing right now (WWII veterans). When you met and married Shay, I was very happy for you then and still am. Stay with it buddy, and keep the rotor in the green
Unbelievable–I knew Cpt. Prudhomme back in the late 70’s at Hunter Army Airfield Georgia. He was a great pilot and a great guy. I spcifically remember one mission with an army ranger and a bunch of dirt bikes and an overnight stop in south Georgia but the maybe the specifics should just fade into history–lol Good luck Cpt!
Mike