Linda Rowe
Linda Rowe, a founding co-owner of Artists’ Showplace Gallery, is an excellent resource, if you are looking for a professional to educate you on the fundamentals of art. A prolific artist, comfortable with working in multiple media, she has a no-nonsense approach to teaching art. Most teachers are prone to deal with the more complex concepts of art education. Linda, however, is acutely aware that the students who come to her may not be adept at the very basics of art. So she shares from the wealth of her knowledge, acquired over a lifetime of trial and error.
When asked about her own artistic inclinations, she admits that she finds true contentment in designing and creating. “I would create with sticks tied together, if I could not paint!”
“One of my fondest memories was creating a wardrobe for my Barbie Doll. I had no desire to play with the doll, only to design and create her clothes. In the 7th grade, I remember the joy of learning about paint, clay and drawing a rooster on a sheet of copper. I still have that copper piece I did way back then! It wasn’t until after I married that I was able to indulge in my desire to paint, without being scolded for wasting time. I was blessed by marrying a man who understood my need to be fooling around with paint and paper!"
Linda's paintings exude a sense of place; somewhere that each of us must have visited sometime, even if only in our dreams. Her stated objective is "to take the viewer to another place, through design, paint and canvas - perhaps to a place in their childhood. That may be why I love to paint landscapes - they grant me a feeling of peace; I want the viewer to step into, and walk around in them, and to imagine what might be around the corner… I create for myself. When a work is finished, and it pleases another so much that they want to own it, then that is a joy.”
I asked her what she would consider are her accomplishments. As pragmatic as ever, she replied, “I suppose it is getting to call myself an artist, and feeling comfortable in that role. I enjoy creating something that gives another a resting place for their spirits, even if it’s only for a few precious moments in time."
When her 3 children graduated from college, Linda sought teachers to learn more about art. She studied with Sarah King and Cecy Turner. Since becoming a co-owner of Artists’ Showplace Gallery, she has used every opportunity to study with some leading artists and educators in the country. She is also inspired by the work of other contemporary landscape painters, like James Reynolds (1926-2010). As a teacher of art, she has a pet peeve! “Why is it that some people don't understand how much study and hard work goes into creating a painting? They attend a painting class and expect to instantaneously paint a great painting. They are oblivious to the artist's struggle in the creation of a work of art. I love teaching art to students who are willing to work hard at becoming fine art painters.” Her students find her patient and knowledgeable. “She has the ability to offer excellent critiques, to see my art with fresh eyes and to improve my work in ways that I may not have considered. More than anything else, she has become one of my best friends!” said one of her students. “I have no desire", states Linda, "to become famous, only to create paintings that glorify the Creator, with the gifts He has given me.” Given below are the art classes she offers at the gallery for both adults and children. Class 1 - The Basics of Art: Intended for adults of all skill levels in pastels and/or oils.Time: TUESDAYS 10 a.m. -1 p.m. AND 6-9 p.m. The following basics will be tackled in the classes: • Drawing Class 2 - The Basics of Art: Intended for children, Linda will encourage the use of age appropriate art materials to teach the fundamentals of art. Geared to the home schooling community, this class will be terrific exposure for a young student, who desires to learn from a seasoned professional. Time: MONDAYS 10 a.m.-1 p.m. To find out more about scheduling, to sign up, or for any other questions about Linda Rowe or her work, call the gallery at 972-233-1223
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