Paul Chidlaw (American, 1900–1989)

Born in Cleves, Ohio, in 1900, Paul Chidlaw spent most of his life in Cincinnati, where he became a pioneering force in the city’s modern art scene. A bold and expressive painter, Chidlaw is best known for his vividly colorful abstractions that often evoke landscapes and natural forms. He also produced dynamic, calligraphy-like gesture drawings that reveal his deep sensitivity to rhythm and movement.

Chidlaw studied at the Cincinnati Art Academy and continued his training at the prestigious Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts in France. His artistic development was shaped by European modernism, and upon returning to Cincinnati, he became a devoted educator at his alma mater. He mentored generations of aspiring artists, many of whom credit him with unlocking their creative voices. In recognition of his influence and legacy, the Art Academy of Cincinnati named its main gallery the Chidlaw Gallery in his honor.

Later in life, as his eyesight declined, Chidlaw increasingly turned to music as his muse. Inspired by jazz and classical compositions, he translated sound into vibrant, abstract visual forms, a powerful testament to his enduring creativity and adaptability.

Chidlaw was a member of the Cincinnati Association of Professional Artists and exhibited widely. His work was shown in the Public Works of Art Project's 48 States Competition, in the Cincinnati Art Museum (1939), and in several federal building exhibitions, including those in 1936. His murals and paintings can be found in public spaces such as the Cincinnati Zoological Gardens and the Liberty Street U.S. Post Office.