“Hitching a Ride #2” Original Mixed Media Painting with Oil, Acrylic and Copper Leaf on Gallery Wrapped Canvas by Artist Gary Jenkins Dimensions: 12”H x 12”W
Inspired by summer’s dramatic desert skies, Rowe Fine Art Gallery’s artists are in the mood…to paint. Stop by the gallery for In the Mood, a painter’s showcase, which opens Friday, August 1, at 4 p.m. and runs the entire month. Participating painters include landscape artists Lynn Heil and John Rasberry; wildlife artists Julie T. Chapman, Kim Diment, Jen Farnsworth and Amy Ringholz; and mixed-media painter Gary Jenkins.
In preparation for the show, the gallery asked its painters about what inspires them to spend hours at the easel.
“Saguaro Moonrise” Dimensions: 14”H x 11”W Original Oil Painting by Artist John Rasberry.
“Sweet Expectations” oil painting in progress by artist Jen Farnsworth
Time spent in nature sparks John Rasberry’s creativity, which isn’t surprising given his subject: landscapes. “Being outdoors and seeing the wonders of nature – light, shadow, color, contrast, and interesting, out-of-the-way places – always inspires me and stirs my creative spirit,” he says.
Jen Farnsworth couldn’t agree more. “Observing wildlife puts me in the mood to paint,” she says. “I try to start each day early and outside, just quietly observing and listening. These morning observations and the beauty around us here in Sedona inspire me to paint.”
Wildlife also ignites Kim Diment’s creativity. “Animals have always had a story to tell,” she says. “One must know and understand them to comprehend these stories. 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.”
“Tribute to Chicken Little” Dimensions: 12”H x 12”W Framed Dimensions are: 14”h x 14”W Original Acrylic Painting on Tile by Artist Kim Diment
“All Copper Clad” Dimensions: 18”H x 36”W Original Mixed Media Painting by Artist Julie Chapman
Julie T. Chapman, whose work has transformed over the course of her career, says she used to be inspired by nature and wildlife, too. But sometimes motivation changes as artists evolve. “Back when I was doing more representational work, I could point to the weather as inspiration,” Julie says, “but nowadays I’d be hard-pressed to do that, given the disruption in what I do. Now, it’s more like the chaos in the world/politics/our relationships to one another and the natural world that drive my work.”
“Hummingbird With Cactus” Original Mixed Media Painting with Oil, Acrylic and Copper Leaf on Gallery Wrapped Canvas by Artist Gary Jenkins Dimensions: 12”H x 16”W
Gary Jenkins gleans his motivation from all of the above. The former PBS star, famous for painting flowers, now focuses on desert plants and wildlife as well as the spiritual side of Sedona in abstract works that defy categorization. Making such a dramatic change so late in his career continues to inspire him to pick up the brush. “When an artist is excited by their work, it shows,” he says. “If you don’t have a passion for it, do something else.”
As for Amy Ringholz, the trained portraitist’s wildlife artwork is inspired by…people, believe it or not. It gives her subjects a sense of humanity that encourages viewers to linger a little longer. “I try to put my wild heart and love of freedom into my paintings,” says Amy. “When you place a piece of my work in your home, you have a piece of me. I want that work to inspire your life with beauty, creativity and love. I want your heart to feel open and full, and your life to feel more meaningful because you get to share your days with one of my paintings.”
“West Wall Boynton Canyon” Dimensions: 12”H x 16”W Original Oil on Panel by Artist Lynn Heil
And then there’s Lynn Heil, who says sometimes he gains inspiration by putting down his paintbrush instead of picking it up. “Lately I've been exploring creativity by not creating anything,” he says. “I've found it refreshing and at times necessary to step back, clear the mind and just observe while considering some ‘what ifs’ in the artistic process.”
Come meet some of the gallery’s artists and see their latest works during In the Mood. It might just inspire you to embark on your own artistic journey. The show runs through August.
Rowe Fine Art Gallery represents traditional and contemporary southwestern artists. The gallery, located under the bell tower in Patio de las Campanas at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 928-282-8877