Caution: Artist at Play - Shana L Rowe

Shana L Rowe
United States – Maine

Caution: Artist at Play

Observant, Creative, Artistic

My name is Shana Jackson, but in the art world I go by my maiden name Shana L Rowe. I'm a Maine artist and have been doing art all my life.

 

Inspiration -The Musician ©Shana Rowe

 

 

When did you first realize you were an artist?   

Before I was even old enough to go to school. I remember in 1st and second grade I had my artwork hung in the school library, and my art teacher would trade me acrylic paints for my watercolor paintings to hang in her living room. I started my first series by the time I was 8, which was based on different races coming together as one. My favorite part was mixing the many different skin tones. I still have those works today to look back on.

 

STYLE   

My painting style would be considered painterly, a combination of realism and impressionistic, with a bit of whimsy.

 

MEDIUMS   

I do a lot in acrylic, but love working in oils and watercolors too. I also paint glass, make jewelry, wood burn, etc. Anything creative really.

 

Before The Music Died   ©Shana Rowe

 

 

TECHNIQUE   

I work very quickly with spontaneous brush strokes and I finish my paintings in one sitting.

 

THEMES   

I jump around a lot, anything that inspires me at the time. I do a lot of happy sunny kind of themes, and like using a bright bold pallet. I like trying new subjects all the time, and challenging myself.

 

Where do you get your ideas?   

Anywhere and everywhere. I've been inspired by a street sign before. You just never know when inspiration will strike!!

 

Why do you create art?    

I have to. I was born to be an artist. I wouldn't be myself if I was not creating. I think my well being would be a lot different if I didn't have my art!!

 

 

 

Let's Go Fly A Kite      ©Shana Rowe

 

 

How often do you create?   

I try to do something creative every day. If I don't have time to paint I will do something as simple as doing my make-up creatively that day, or when I'm at work and have down time I will be doodling, or doing quick sketches.

 

What is the best artwork you ever created?   

I have yet to create my best artwork, I'm getting better and better every day. It's a growing process.

 

What role does the artist play in society?   

Art is everywhere whether we realize it or not, it's in ads, in videogames, on signs, on websites, art plays a very big role in almost all aspects of life.

 

Do you make a living with your art?    

I sell artwork and do commissions, and I also sell prints, calendars, and magnets. I am still getting myself out there though. I do pretty well but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Devine Bovine ©Shana Rowe

 

Art Promotion   

My Facebook page and my Fineartamerica.com account which is a print on demand site that I sell on.

 

Influences   

My first real influence in life was watching Bob Ross on T.V. I was so amazed at the things he did and always knew I wanted to grow up to do something similar. I also really love Monet.

 

Contemporary Artist Recommendation   

Bob Ross, the way he could go from a blank canvas to an almost photographic painting in such a short amount of time was so inspiring. He also helped many people find their way to art.

 

Please tell us something interesting in your life   

I have recently taught myself how to paint using my opposite hand. I have now done 5 or six paintings using my right hand, I am normally a lefty. Two of the paintings seen here,"Roasting Mallows" and "Inspiration-The Musician" were done using this method.

 

Did you ever feel like giving up art?   

Never. I don't think I could if I tried. Being and artist is more than what I do. It's who I am.

 

 

Roasting Mallows       ©Shana Rowe

 

 

 

Where do you see yourself as an artist 10 years from now?   

I'm hoping to successfully making a living on my art :) but isn't that what we all want? To make a living doing what we love?

 

Advice for Artists  

Know yourself, don't compare yourself to others. Follow your heart, paint for yourself and no one else. Never give up, and the rest will fall into place.
 

Shana L Rowe

Artist Website: Shana Rowe

Facebook Page: Caution: Artist at Play