maria rowden
Painter
I am inspired by my love of gardens and nature, from my local walks and from my travels.
I have always enjoyed drawing and have experimented with lino and screen printing while raising my family. Over the last few years I have studied oil and acrylics and begun painting regularly. I enjoy the freedom of applying paint and playing with colours.
While walking, I like to take time to look and listen in the landscape. Sketching or painting en plein air helps me to see the real colours that are in nature that my camera may not. I also take photos and return home to plan a final composition and paint.
My Landscapes may be direct from nature or may be an imagined composite of ideas based on what I have seen or experienced. I like experimenting with the level of detail and realism in my work in order to create impact. Playing with colours and textures in my garden has taught me some of the elements needed in curating a scene.
My other subjects include still life florals which allow a similar type of creativity - experimenting with colours and light, realism and simplicity.
