"Using Middle America as her muse, Kowch draws the history of a particular place -- invariably rural -- to the surface as it collides with a new reality in layers of metaphor and moodiness. The faces of her women may remind you of characters in a Tim Burton film."
--Steve Parks, Newsday

Saturday, September 22, 2007

"Louise"
20" x 30" Acrylic on board












I did this portrait of my great-aunt in the quest to focus on evoking a mood, and telling a story through portraiture, as well as just for the sheer pleasure of going back to my photorealism roots. Portraiture has always been one of my first loves, and I always jump at the chance to do it when the opportunity arises. Hope you enjoy.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

"The Guests" - Allegory of the Five Senses SOLD
40" x 30" Acrylic on canvas

Completed this past June, this painting is an addition to my current series of works that symbolically fuse various ideas and subject matter, and is one of my many pieces that serve as a representation of my interest in symbolism. With this particular painting, my aim was to take different subject matter and juxtapose it all in a way that ultimately created a metaphor for the five senses. The task of picking and choosing various elements to put in a painting, and then the challenge of taking those elements and using them in a way that creates a cohesive and believable situation, is an imperative part of my message-making process.

This painting is a further exploration of my goal to create images that speak of various issues without being too overt, because I believe that art has to allow room for viewer interpretation. Many of the visual stories I create are left open-ended, because I wish to encourage interaction from the viewer. Thus, while my works are created with an initial idea behind them, I make sure I execute them in such a way that leaves room for viewers to form their own stories and conclusions. The Guests, I feel, is a good example of the things I consider when working on a piece – though it is, in essence, my own interpretation of the five senses, to another it may be a story about something else, despite the fact that the main idea will always be present.

The final color study for "The Guests."


The final value study.


The finalized version of my initial sketch.


"Beyond the Invisible" - Enigma Triptych
24" x 68" Acrylic on masonite











Detail (single piece, 24" x 18")


Detail no.2 (single piece, 24" x 32")


Detail no.3 (single piece, 24" x 18")




Well, I'm finally sitting down to update this blog, which I've been neglecting for quite a while. Above you will find some new work that I've recently completed, along with some preliminary studies that helped finalize the process. Hope you enjoy, and, as usual, I welcome any feedback that you may have. Thanks!