Day 225: Barbara Cowlin

My water paintings are inspired by the unexpected surprise of finding an

oasis of water in the desert, whether it is a lake, pond, river or puddle.

The clarity of Southwestern light causes amazing reflections and colors

to appear in the water.

This series balances between realism and abstraction. I create paintings

that shift and change with changes in light and the viewer's position.

Capturing the color and movement of an ephemeral phenomenon

fascinates me. Creating work that is dynamic despite being on a static

surface are some of the challenges that keep me painting water.

The layers of paint symbolize the passing of time and the constant flow

of water. I build up texture and color on the canvas or panel, sand and

rebuild surfaces until they have depth and complexity. Glazes, and layers

of medium are sandwiched between layers of colors. Pours using gloss

medium for the water imagery and matte medium for the non-water

areas create contrasts between glossy and matte surfaces. Finally I add

the details, bright streaks or dots of color which appear to float on the

surface.

Time passes. Water flows. By the time the water you are looking at

registers in your brain, the present has become the past, and the water

has changed. Painting water allows me to capture the past, present and

future in one painted image.

And my addresses:

Website: www.barbarakempcowlin.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/barbarakempcowlin/

FaceBook: facebook.com/barbaracowlin/

Instagram: instagram.com/barbarakempcowlin/

Swept Away

Catalina

Duet; Water & Boulders

Rock-Water-Wood

Daw