Framing Indianapolis
A native Hoosier, Courtland Blade has always felt drawn to the arts. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Blade spent his early years in Evanston, Illinois, before returning to Terre Haute for high school. His journey eventually brought him to Indianapolis, where he currently resides and works as a fine oil painter.
Blade was formally trained at Vincennes University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting. He later studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts. Currently, he works primarily in oil paint and has built a steady studio practice, sharing his work through exhibitions, commissions and community-based art experiences.
“I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling — capturing mood, memory and place. Over time, painting became the clearest way for me to translate what I notice and feel into something other people can step into. A lot of my inspiration comes from familiar spaces around Indianapolis — scenes that people pass every day, but might not fully see until they’re slowed down and framed,” he says.
Blade will be showcasing his work in an upcoming First Friday event titled “Observed.” This collection of original oil paintings demonstrates Blade’s signature style and depicts scenes from around Indianapolis. Other pieces reflect Blade’s current artistic trajectory and are more indicative of where his studio practice is headed.
Learn more about Blade’s art at courtlandblade.com/Artist.asp?ArtistID=27212&Akey=MPE46RXE.
