Kim Rowlett’s paintings are on exhibit at the Western Nevada College’s Fallon campus gallery until Jan. 22.
Kim Rowlett, a retired English teacher from Churchill County High School, desired to write a book, that is, until a decision was made to register for Gil Martin’s art class at Western Nevada College.
During her lessons, she fell in love with oil painting. Eleven years later Rowlett continues her artistic journey. The Fallon campus gallery of WNC will have Rowlett’s paintings on exhibit through Jan. 20.
Rowlett likes to paint in an impressionistic style with a flow of light that represents freedom and creates magic. Her tools are a paintbrush for details and background, and a palette knife for abstract effects, texture and to add a whimsical feeling, which is her personal trademark.
Her palette is vivacious, demonstrating a true command of color.
“I love showing my work. My paintings are optimistic and colorful, and they bring happiness,” Rowlett said.
One intriguing piece of her work is called “The Covid Painting.” Recently painted during isolation, this piece of art is an expression of hope to show that there is light at the end of the COVID tunnel. It alludes to the temporal state of this condition.
The inspiration for Rowlett’s paintings comes from everywhere: her self expression of how she sees the world, nature, other oil painters, and the objects and people around her. This large diversity of subjects, such as hummingbirds, aspens, cats, ballerinas, and her own favorite past times like reading, all find their way into her art.
Future plans for Rowlett include being part of an upcoming NAA exhibit in Carson City at Brewery Arts. Her paintings are beginning to show a mystical aura and she wants to continue in that trend. Some of these paintings are created while in a group called “Heart Artists.” The painters who meet at 4082 Reno Highway every Wednesday at 9 a.m. work on their personal art by helping each other as needed. All artists are invited to join them.
The public is welcome to view Rowlett’s show at WNC during gallery hours, Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., excluding holidays.
