Inspired by summer’s dramatic desert skies, Rowe Fine Art Gallery’s painters are in the mood…to paint, that is. In August, stop into the gallery for In the Mood, a painter’s showcase, which opens Friday, August 6, at 4 p.m. and runs the entire month. Participating painters include landscape artists Dane Chinnock, Lynn Heil and John Rasberry; wildlife artists Julie T. Chapman, Kim Diment, Jen Farnsworth and Amy Ringholz; and still-life painter Sue Krzyston.
In preparation for the show, Rowe Fine Art Gallery asked its painters what inspired them to spend hours at the easel, creating their most recent piece. Each referenced painting will be featured in the August show, along with a few surprises from the artists. Here’s what they said:
“The Space Within” (Wolf) Original Mixed Media on Panel 20”H x 16”W
Each animal I paint compels me to do so because of the character, the intelligence, the individuality each has…and the threats most of them face from human activity, whether habitat loss, climate change, or persecution in some form. – Julie T. Chapman
“Nature Prayer #2” (Coyote) Original Mixed Media on Panel 24”H x 24”W
“Stone and Pennington DOS UMBRELLAS” Oil with Palette Knife 16”H x 9”W
My inspiration is different for each painting. Take Stone and Pennington, for example. As a plein air painter, an overcast day presents challenges. When I saw this scene in downtown Tucson, I had been out scouting scenes to come back to and paint when the sun came out. When I saw this scene with the bright yellow umbrellas, I realized that you don’t always need sun to make light. Sometimes you just need a bright yellow umbrella or two.
- Dane Chinnock
“E. Market St. PURPLE” Original Oil Painting with Palette Knife, 8”H x 12”W
Animals have always had a story to tell. One must know and understand them to comprehend these stories. Ancient man did and produced beautiful works of art on the cave walls of Lascaux millions of years ago. I choose to portray animals because I find them more beautiful, more fascinating and more symbolic than any other subject matter. I cannot comprehend a world without animals. – Kim Diment,
“Two Step” Original Acrylic Painting 8”H x 17”W
“I’ve Got Your Back” Original Oil Painting on Canvas. 22”H x 28”W
I am endlessly inspired by the wildlife I paint. With each painting, I hope to capture the beautiful character of that individual in a way that will connect with people - the same way each individual connects with me. Love and loyalty is the theme of the painting “I’ve Got Your Back”. The eternally faithful coyote never leaves their partner’s side – sometimes even remaining solo if their partner passes away. DNA studies of offspring have shown that once a coyote finds his or her life’s partner (and unlike other canids) they never stray – ever, not ever.
– Jen Farnsworth
“Patience” Original Oil Painting on Canvas, 22”H x 28”W
“View From Cook’s Hill” Original Oil Painting on Linen Board. 14”H x 18”W
“In the Cool Shade of Oak Creek” (Sedona) Original Oil Painting on Linen Board 6”H x 8”W
As an artist, I experience and paint the world around me, from the grandest scenes to the intimacy of the mundane. On this journey of self-discovery, I respectfully and happily share with the viewer the effects of light on every bend and fork in the road, through careful consideration of values, shapes and colors. Each painting evokes a feeling, and expressing it clearly and simply is my goal. Doing this brings me joy!
– Lynn Heil
“Where Stones Meet the Sky” Original Oil Painting on Linen Board, 16”H x 20”W
I love dramatic lighting!! Storms with bright sunlight breaking through the clouds – it’s beautiful, and it’s one of my favorite subjects to paint. Nothing inspires me more than the dramatic contrast between the dark clouds and the brilliant spotlights highlighting the landscape. – John Rasberry,
“Distant Storms” Original Oil on Linen Board, 9”H x 12”W
“Beaker” (Owl) Original Mixed Media Ink and Oil Painting 24”H x 24”W
Painting holds a deep meaning for me. Weighing heavily on my mind and heart is our beloved town of Jackson, Wyoming. I love this valley so much and want to do anything and everything I can to help preserve its character and charm. – Amy Ringholz
“Strategist” (Fox) Original Mixed media Painting with Ink and Oil. 24”H x 24”W
Experience our painter’s newest originals in person, but stop by early because, just like monsoon season, they won’t be here for long.