I grew up on folk tales, campfire stories, and fantasy novels. For the longest time I was fascinated with surrealism and their ability to impose the bizarre on the mundane. After that I fell in love with the post-impressionist movements such as futurism, expressionism, sublime landscapes and eventually 19th century fantasy illustration. So much of my work harkens back to the block prints and soft watercolors of that era.

Arden at His BFA exhibition

I’m Mohawk, raised in Syracuse, New York. I graduated with a BFA from SUNY Oswego and have practiced my discipline for 7 years. My philosophy initially piggy-backs off of the Escapism philosophies I saw in art after World War I with the modernization of cities and rural countryside. Today I frame my philosophy from a lens of isolation, solitude, and a yearning for the vast horizon, to tell compelling visual narratives that can be lacking in today’s oversaturated market.

I hope that by making art I can pull my viewers back to those common memories of folk tales told by the campfire, the rush of reading a new book, and the awe of standing high above watching the world turn.

Surmountable by Arden McBride

For the Small Works show at Main Street Arts you’ll see a stunning B&W illustration of a colossal figure in black and a contrasting small white silhouette. This illustration is titled “Surmountable”. I created it in 2017 as a way to express frustration at what the future would hold. How daunting it all seemed and how we have to stand against oppressive odds. It’s such a simple illustration that lends itself to many interpretations.

Eldritch Illustrations Coloring book sample by Arden McBride

If you like my work and want to see more then visit my portfolio on Behance or follow me on instagram @Eldritch_Illustrations. Currently I am working on a coloring book geared towards adults in a Black and White Art Nouveau style.

Small Works 2022 includes 200 works of art by 200 artists from 32 states and runs through Friday, December 23, 2022.

Recent Posts

Plein Air 2023 (part 2)

“To create a ‘plein air’ painting composition, I need to connect with the subject from experiences in my lifetime that awaken sensory perceptions. Oil painting on a smooth ampersand board lets my brush flow with the feel of the day, the light, the landscape and purpose.”

Read More »

Plein Air 2023 (Part 1)

“My approach to Plein Air is to find a simple location and to anticipate how the light will move throughout the morning. Next I do a quick sketch showing lights and darks (known as a Notan), block in color on the canvas, and try to use lots of paint to give texture to the end piece.”

Read More »

A Shiver in the Leaves

Robert Ernst Marx and Luther Hughes BOA Editions, a not-for-profit publisher of poetry and other literary works, recently released a debut collection of poetry from Seattle-based poet, Luther Hughes which

Read More »

Robin Whiteman

About a year ago a close friend referred to my “two daughters”, art and my actual kid, Anya. He nailed it. Two of my biggest loves who take up the majority of

Read More »

Arden McBride

I grew up on folk tales, campfire stories, and fantasy novels. For the longest time I was fascinated with surrealism and their ability to impose the bizarre on the mundane.

Read More »

Joshua Hudak

I started my artistic journey focusing primarily on glass. Glass is an amazing medium – it interacts with light and color in so many unexpected ways, and forming it into

Read More »

Plein Air 2023 (part 2)

“To create a ‘plein air’ painting composition, I need to connect with the subject from experiences in my lifetime that awaken sensory perceptions. Oil painting on a smooth ampersand board lets my brush flow with the feel of the day, the light, the landscape and purpose.”

Read More »

Plein Air 2023 (Part 1)

“My approach to Plein Air is to find a simple location and to anticipate how the light will move throughout the morning. Next I do a quick sketch showing lights and darks (known as a Notan), block in color on the canvas, and try to use lots of paint to give texture to the end piece.”

Read More »

A Shiver in the Leaves

Robert Ernst Marx and Luther Hughes BOA Editions, a not-for-profit publisher of poetry and other literary works, recently released a debut collection of poetry from Seattle-based poet, Luther Hughes which

Read More »

Robin Whiteman

About a year ago a close friend referred to my “two daughters”, art and my actual kid, Anya. He nailed it. Two of my biggest loves who take up the majority of

Read More »

Arden McBride

I grew up on folk tales, campfire stories, and fantasy novels. For the longest time I was fascinated with surrealism and their ability to impose the bizarre on the mundane.

Read More »

Joshua Hudak

I started my artistic journey focusing primarily on glass. Glass is an amazing medium – it interacts with light and color in so many unexpected ways, and forming it into

Read More »

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Closed 7/28 through 8/3:

We will be closed to the public Friday, July 28 through Thursday, August 4 as we install our next exhibition, Inspired By Nature. Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, August 4 from 5 to 8pm!