Frank McElwain
American, 1942
Frank McElwain
Frank McElwain grew up in Ironton, Ohio and later settled in Cincinnati. When he was a boy he copied the works of old masters and was influenced by the art in movie posters. Later, Frank entered the University of Cincinnati as a pre-law student. Not long after completing his bachelor’s degree, he was struck by a car and seriously injured. During his long convalescence, he realized that he didn’t want to pursue a career in law, he wanted to paint. In subsequent years, as his reputation grew, his paintings graced the homes of private collectors and were seen in the lobbies of Cincinnati’s top corporations. Since, 1988, he has been the official artist for the Tall Stacks celebration of the Steamboat era, painting scenes past and present.
Much research has gone into McElwain’s paintings concerning accuracy of architecture, transportation systems, and fashion. His style is intended to allow one to enjoy a romantic and artistic view of the city. McElwain said that he “Opens a door for the viewer, to let him inside to see what our town was like, what he does once I let him in is up to his own imagination.”
McElwain’s landscapes, oil studies, and historical Cincinnati scenes from the turn of the century. He celebrates Cincinnati’s beloved landmarks, the Suspension Bridge, Fountain Square, and the riverboats at the public landing. His work is in private and corporate collections including Cincinnati Financial, the Queen City Club, Procter & Gamble, and Fifth Third Bank.
