Neighborhood Landscapes by Local Artist on Display at Buona Terra

A few weeks ago I was on a Facebook group page for illustrators, where people from around the world share their artwork. There I saw a painting of a brick-red church that looked familiar.

I looked at the title and sure enough, it was the Minnekirken, a church that I walk past on a weekly basis.

And the artist was having a showing of his work near my favorite Starbucks. How funny! So I had to contact him and meet him in person.

Minnekirken. Photo: Erik Island.
“Sketching at the Farmers’ Market”. Photo: Erik Island.
“Sunday Morning Coming Down”. Photo: Erik Island.

That artist is Stuart Fullerton, a native of Wisconsin, Harvard Law graduate and LoganSquare resident.

You can see the subtle influences of Stuart’s favorite painters: Joaquín Sorolla, Anders Zorn, and one of my personal favorites, John Singer Sargeant.

I was amazed to learn that he’s only been painting since 2000 at age 41, while serving as a Federal Prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice in Chicago since 1995.

Logan Square Monument. Photo: Erik Island.
Photo: Erik Island.
Photo: Erik Island.

We talked and joked about so many other late bloomers, like Van Gogh, who had his first exhibition at age 32, or how Toni Morrison published her first book at 40.

“I had no idea that you could start [painting)] so late in life,” Fullerton said. “I didn’t know that you could learn, but you can”.

And apparently, those who can do, teach. Stuart learned to paint at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts (1012 N. Dearborn Ave.), and now he teaches a class there every Saturday.

Stuart Fullerton (lower right), painting with his students. Courtesy Stuart Fullerton

I think that Bob Ross, who taught me and so many others how to paint happy trees and landscapes, would be proud.

You can see Fullerton’s oil paintings and charcoal drawings on Instagram or in person, adorning the walls at Buona Terra Ristorante (2535 N. California Avenue), a family-owned Italian restaurant that is near to dear to him.

“Buona Terra was my father’s favorite restaurant to eat when he would visit me,” Fullerton said. “I love this place; I’m so grateful to hang my stuff here.”

Stuart Fullerton at Buona Terra. Photo: Erik Island

For those of you who enjoy art but believe that you could never be an artist, relax. It’s never too late.

Speaking as someone who traded in his brushes and paints for Photoshop and never dreamed that anyone would read his words or care for his thoughts, I can tell you that life is not lived in a straight line.

Be inspired by Fullerton’s work, maybe take one of his classes. Welcome to the club of late bloomers!