Ellen Atkinson, Staff Editor
A mysterious man, known by many as just “the guy who paints around town,” is able to capture the beauty of Newtown and Sandy Hook in his incredible portraits. Jim Chillington is a local artist who continues to be seen around town, working diligently on paintings of town landmarks that are exhibited in local and town businesses. So as we smile when we pass by, I guess we all kind of wonder-why? Why devote endless days to painting our sleepy, little town?
Chillington was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. He was not always known so much for being an artist, but actually started a roof contracting business after finishing high school.
“I think it was there in those early years, meeting so many people at their homes to discuss roofing needs that I found myself looking at the paintings on the walls as well as the leaky roof stain in the ceiling in some of the finest homes in the area. That lead me to a trip to the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York) and from then on I can say I was a roofer/artist looking to be an artist/roofer,” Chillington said. Chillington has painted in many places; Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Mexico. Chillington’s artwork appears in local bagel shop Bagel Delight and Italian restaurant Sal e Pepe. “My wife and I came to know Newtown for its great schools and scenic beauty with its country charm and wanted to raise a family here. We are thankful for a lot of things here in Newtown especially that our two kids are doing great in school, Tori is on the honor roll in Newtown High School and James is on the honor roll in Newtown Middle School, they have great friends. And my wife Elyce has met so many good-hearted people here she can call friends,” Chillington said. It didn’t take long for Chillington to fall in love with the town. “I like seeing the flag blow in the wind, it is something I will never get tired of seeing. Especially at night and seeing it at half staff is a dramatic heartfelt experience for me,” Chillington said. With all the interesting and beautiful places he has been, Chillington continues his work in Newtown and Sandy hook. “My favorite place to paint is where my heart beats stronger, and for now that is for Newtown and Sandy Hook. I choose to paint in Newtown and Sandy Hook at different times for different reasons. Most times, I’m looking to feel something, it helps me feel human, I want to feel something more than I usually do and when I think of December 14th, while drawing or painting I feel something and although thinking of that tragic day may bring tears rolling down my face at times, they bring me comfort or something that I can get no other way, it makes me feel,” Chillington said. Looking at Chillington’s work- it is easy to feel for me too. His paintings capture a beauty and charm that is easy to understand for any Newtown or Sandy Hook resident. “It’s also a good feeling to see others happy and to see me out there in the street enjoying myself in all kinds of weather. Painting landscapes in the open air, a still life from direct observation or person in a portrait allows you to know the subject most times in a different way than initially perceived. Thinking back to the first day I was painting in the area earlier this year, I think it was January on Washington Ave in Sandy Hook. I think I wanted to show the world that there was more to this area than killing, I wanted to show the beauty, and that even after such a horror we will still enjoy and be safe in our town,” Chillington said. It’s safe to say that we are all looking to share with the world that our beautiful town is and will continue to be more incredible and strong than ever before. Our hearts are broken, but our spirits are strong. Jim Chillington’s paintings are able to convey the beauty of our close-knit community.
To see more of Chillington's work click here.
