Modern Abstract Expressionist Landscape Paintings by Erin Fickert-Rowland

This new collection of original oil paintings have each been painted in one session, in the Abstract Expressionist style. They are all landscapes, to some degree, whether imagined or inspired by a real experience. Each composition has a horizon line- a place where it seems the ground touches the sky. I have been experimenting with different palette colors and different methods of applying paint.

Each original painting is for sale, unless otherwise noted, and is also available on prints and note cards. Enjoy!

Kizuna

This Modern Abstract painting was inspired by the "Kizuna" Bamboo Installation Art at Denver Botanical Gardens in 2012. It is a very unique abstract garden landscape. Stacks of golden bamboo bend and dance before a squared blue sky. A cautious planter of green grass peeks out beneath all of the action! This unique painting features thick, richly textured paint, a vibrant palette and a whimsical mood.

Original available on Etsy

Prints and Note Cards at Fine Art America

Crop Fields

A sunny and bright aerial view of colorful summer crop fields is depicted in this Modern Abstract landscape painting. Paint has been applied using different techniques from impasto brushstrokes to smooth sweeps of the palette knife to create a lushly textured surface. A distant bluebird sky and puffy white clouds can be seen on the horizon.

Original available on Etsy

Prints and Note Cards on Fine Art America

Memories of Mesas

"Memories of Mesas" is a Modern Abstract painting created with thick, impasto paint in vibrant ochre, sepia, umber, lavender, teal and pale pink. Active brushstrokes and bold sweeps of the palette knife create a richly textured surface that resembles rocky mesas overlooking a Southwestern canyon under a dusky purple sky.

Original available on Etsy

Prints and Note Cards at Fine Art America

"The Sheer Heat of It"

Hot, and smoldering this Abstract Expressionist painting is sure to warm any space! Fiery colors of crimson, flame orange, burnt sienna, carbon black and golden yellow ignite the canvas and interact with thickly textured paint to create a vibrant abstract expressionist image.

*Original SOLD*

Prints and Note Cards at Fine Art America

Impression of a Sunset

Impression Sunset Modern Abstract Painting- Original Oil on Canvas Seascape Landscape by Erin Fickert-Rowland

"Impression of a Sunset," captures a quiet moment viewing a spectacular display of nature. Hot pink, purple and red clouds cover the blazing orange and yellow sun as it slowly dips into the magenta sea. Thick, impasto paint in bold brushstrokes create a powerful, emotional mood.

Original available on Etsy

Prints and Note Cards at Fine Art America

Improvisation on Spring

This Modern Abstract Expressionist painting was inspired by the colors and blooms of springtime. Lush grassy green is painted thickly and surrounded by cool watery blues, resembling a pond with reedy grasses. Abstract blooms in white, yellow and peach dance about the composition, as black impressions of birds seem to look down on the scene from their wire in the distance. This unique painting features thick, richly textured paint, active brushwork, a vibrant palette and a whimsical mood.

Original available on Etsy

Prints and Note Cards at Fine Art America

More paintings coming soon!

My first show in the Denver area is opening at Zip 37 Gallery on June 7, 2013 (less than 3 weeks away!)

Stay tuned!

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Spinning Records: Three New Modern Still Life Paintings by Erin Fickert-Rowland

Recently, I have been spending more time with music: finding new artists to listen to, watching documentaries about music history and starting a new collection of vinyl records (read more here). I found a rare vinyl 45 record of Jack White's "Fly Farm Blues" and started thinking about how this physical copy of a music recording relates to other objects that are important to me.

How can I compose these objects to share my feelings about music?

These are three new paintings which explore that idea:

"Spin It Like a Top"

A wooden toy top sits next to the record in this painting. Both vintage objects provide enjoyable entertainment when they begin to spin. Energy is required to propel both objects in to motion. I have repeated circles throughout the composition and layered lines and multiple tones of bright colors to convey a feeling of energy and motion.

"Key To the Heart"

Collecting art is equally enjoyable as collecting music. I acquired this ceramic heart sculpture by a Colorado artist last summer, and I love the way the graphic shape of the heart works with the repeated circles in this composition. The key has been removed from the lock, and energetic music notes are freely dancing. Whether we are playing instruments, singing, dancing, or just listening, music allows us to unlock our emotions. Love, anger, fear, jealousy, and happiness can all be expressed and experienced through music.

"Eat It for Breakfast"

Every day I start my morning with coffee. As soon as that first steaming cup has been poured, I turn on the radio and tune in to my favorite local jazz station (KUVO). Music is the first thing I consume, and it stays with me throughout the day. You might say I "eat it for breakfast!" I created a very graphic composition which contrasts the circle of the record with the "X" shape made by the fork and knife. The record is meant to look like the plate, and it's about to be cut by the fork and knife! Both the record and vintage silver fork and knife have shining surfaces that reflect and gleam. Bright hues of blue and yellow, with just a pop of red, have been layered to create a richly colored image.

All three of these paintings are original oil on 8 inch x 8 inch gallery wrapped canvas.

They are $175.00 each, and are available

in my Etsy Shop, or in Denver at Zip37 Gallery.

***Enjoy $10 off any purchase of $50 or more in my Etsy shop through May 12 CODE: SPRINGFLING10 ***

Another exciting announcement:

I have recently been invited to share a show with another artist at Zip37 Gallery. Opening June 7, 2013 through June 23rd. I will be busily painting and designing until then! Stay tuned for more information!

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Caught on Instagram: A Rekindled Love for Vinyl Records

I have always loved music.

Perhaps "been obsessed with" is a better term.

I think it's because I have always spent so much time pursuing solitary, contemplative creative activities, like painting and drawing.

Music has been my constant companion since I was a child.

Found a #vintage #turntable today! Excited to get it plugged up and see how it sounds!

I started out with a kiddie Fisher-Price record player and a nice set of Mickey Mouse records. Eventually I borrowed my parents Beach Boys and Kool and the Gang albums (and, I admit, Kenny Rogers too). Then I remember getting my own copies of the Footloose, Purple Rain, and Flashdance records (though my parents never let me see the movies). I knew every word to every song. I could still sing along to almost all of them if they were played on the radio.

I started my musical life with the LP Album.

I've seen the invention of the 8-Track Tape, the Cassette Tape, the Compact Disc, and the MP3 (Just for fun, click these links to Wikipedia just to see the format our music has taken over the years- the MP3 doesn't even have a photo!)

Suddenly, I felt a disconnect with my large collection of intangible music...

Found some great #vinyl #records and a cool little guitar at the thrift shop! I couldn't resist the "Elvis Christmas" album - that will be fun to drink to in December!

I've been watching music documentaries, like It Might Get Loud

and Blue Note. They got me thinking:

"Why did I give up my treasured record albums with their big art covers, soft feel of worn cardboard edges and shiny slick plastic, and slightly scratchy sound when you knew the needle took hold of its groove?"

I went to the thrift store the next day,

and found the start of my new collection (above)!

But that wasn't enough...I needed fresh vinyl!

I was so excited to find the Third Man Records section at Twist & Shout in Denver yesterday! Came home with some Jack White on vinyl!

I found a local record shop. They have a massive amount of vinyl records, vintage and new. They have turntable listening stations. They have an exclusive section of Third Man Records (above). They sell refurbished vintage turntables (below) which are much better than a random one you find at the thrift store (first photo).

Yesterday's $12 thrift store record player didn't work- had to upgrade to the $90 used version from the record store - tested it out there, so now we just have to get it plugged up so we can finally listen to some #vinyl !

We brought our new records and player home, and we've been listening....

To new music...

(Jack White's "Blunderbuss")

#nowplaying Blunderbuss by Jack White on #vinyl - got the speakers rigged so we can hear it on the patio- First Friday night of outdoor happy hour this year!!

...nostalgic music...

(Kenny Roger's "Greatest Hits")

...classic music.

(The Beatles "Abbey Road")

#nowplaying #Beatles re-released Abbey Road on #vinyl -still one of the best albums of all time.

The sound of vinyl is rich. You can pick out the layers of instruments and vocals in the music. You intentionally play a specific artist's record, and you are inclined to be quiet and listen. You have to walk gently around the player, so as not to make the needle skip.

Music has taken on a new meaning to me.

It's seeping into my work.

Preliminary drawings are stacking on top of each other:

Stack of preliminary #drawings for some new #paintings I am working on. All the translucent paper looks cool! Now to quit procrastinating and get into the paint...

I've painted a new series of small study paintings.

This is a glimpse of one of them during the first layers:

Today is #RecordStoreDay! So guess what I've been #painting ...#vinyl #records (still in progress)

How has music influenced you?

Did you have vinyl record albums as a kid?

Do you have special memories of them?

Do you have a collection now?

Stay tuned! I will be posting images of my new paintings shortly!

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Playing with Ideas: Three New Modern Still Life Paintings by Erin Fickert-Rowland

I've been working on new series of small paintings featuring a collection of light bulbs, which represent ideas and invention.

I love the original design of light bulbs (as opposed to their new, efficient, modern cousins), and wanted to paint them with a muted, neutral palette. Using warm tones of peach, ochre, sepia, gray, cream, and white, I have combined both thin, drippy paint and thick impressionist brushstrokes to create richly textured images. There is a bright pop of orange outlining the objects to create the effect of an energetic glow.

"Ideas with Potential"

"Wrestling with Ideas"

"A Collection of Ideas"

These paintings are all on 8 inch x 8 inch gallery wrapped canvas, and are now available in my

Etsy Shop.

The painted image wraps around the sides of each canvas, which you can see in the detail photos for each listing (Click on each photo to go directly to that painting in the shop!)

In the Denver area? These paintings are on view at Zip 37 Gallery !

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Caught on Instagram: Modern Abstract Art in Denver

Amazing art is being created in Denver, Colorado!

I have had the pleasure to see some local gallery shows recently, and I want to share what I have seen with you!

Currently at Spark Gallery:

*ends April 21, 2013*

One of my very favorite artists( featured on Elysian Studios)

Katharine McGuinness:

Constructionist Sculpture by Leo Franco:

(one of my fellow gallery mates at Zip 37 Gallery!)

New work by Leo Franco showing at Spark Gallery in #Denver

Currently at Studio 12 Gallery:

*ends April 27, 2013*

A fun show of limited edition posters based on films by The Asylum, featuring work by Tim Doyle and Edmond Bailey of Octopoda:

One week only! This is an awesome show of limited edition posters based on movies by Asylum films- at Studio 12 Gallery in #Denver

Currently at Core New Art Space:

*ends May 5, 2013*

New oil paintings by Katie Hoffman:

(another fellow gallery mate at Zip 37 Gallery!)

New #paintings by Katie Hoffman now showing at Core Art Space in #Denver

Recent Shows:

*these are now over, but these artists are continuing members of these galleries*

Colby Brumit at Edge Gallery:

Great #art show of #mixedmedia #collage on view at Edge Gallery in #Denver through Sunday 3/24!

Collin Parson at Pirate Gallery:

Spotted at Pirate Contemporary Gallery in #Denver

William Manke at Pirate Gallery:

Loved this show by William Manke now showing at Pirate Gallery in #Denver #art

Amazing art, isn't it? One thing I have realized is that these wonderful shows are fleeting. Each artist usually gets about three weeks to display their new body of work and then it's over!

There's nothing like being immersed and surrounded in one artist's vision- it's like listening to a music album from start to finish- you get the whole story, and complete picture. If you have the opportunity to bring a piece of that story home with you by purchasing a piece of art, it is all the more special!

Stay in touch! I will be posting more great art I see out and about!

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Caught on Instagram: A Long Winter Goodbye

Happy Saturday from the Rocky Mountains!

Our family lives for snow days from November through the first of April. There's nothing like playing in a wonderland of brilliant white snow. Of course, we also enjoy the cozy warmth of home, and relish any excuse to stay cuddled in our pj's for the day.

That is the promise of winter. Soft, quiet mornings with coffee in the studio. Blanketed movie evenings with popcorn in front of the fire. Winter provides time to be together, time to slow down, and time to think.

A little Monday #inspiration #snow #quote

Our "Spring" breaks often occur in the Rocky Mountains, where we hope to be surrounded by feet of snow, as we are tightly bundled in our gear and floating down the slopes on our snowboards. This year, we were treated to brilliant bluebird skies, as well as feet of freshly fallen powdered sugar snow.

Amazing powder day at #Breckenridge! #snow

We took advantage of all of that soft, cushiony snow to adventure farther up the mountain than ever before!

Here we are as we were making our way down from the highest ski lift in North America (the Imperial Express at Breckenridge):

This was me and my family on the slope down from the highest chair lift in North America last week! #snow #snowboarding

Winter is enjoying it's very last moments in Colorado, and we are excitedly welcoming the warmth and color of a new season.

(But it is STILL snowing....)

It's another #snow day in Colorado today!

Despite the persistent snow, spring is sprouting! Tender shoots of green can be found peeking up from the ground.

Despite the persistent snow, #spring is sprouting in Colorado!

The sun was shining bright and warm today, beckoning the sleepy trees to "Wake up!"

The sun is shining bright and warm, beckoning the trees to "Wake up!" #spring

Teeny, tiny buds are starting to promise a show of spring blossoms.

But they aren't ready yet.

Teeny, tiny buds are beginning to make promises of #spring flowers

Lush and verdant, the vivid spring carpet of green begins to overtake the dead brown of winter and the icy remains of its final snows.

The home and garden stores now have racks and racks of beautiful green, and color-filled flowering plants waiting just a bit for slightly warmer weather. Soon gardeners like myself will be searching for the perfect new additions to our garden and landscape.

But it's not quite time yet.

Racks and racks of fresh plants and flowers are waiting to be moved outside of Home Depot in Parker! I'm getting excited to get out and plant!

So we'll dream a bit longer about balmy breezes, colorful blooms, and digging in the soft earth to nurture more life in the garden.

It's almost here, but not quite yet.

Until then....

We saw such a beautiful #sunset over the mountains on our drive home this evening. It was quiet and peaceful. I hope I #dream these colors tonight!

All of these photos are from my Instagram photo stream, @elysianstudios. Join me to share photos! Just let me know your username and I will follow you too!

How is Spring sprouting where you live?

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New Modern Art Jewelry In The Elysian Studios Etsy Shop!

I've been working with my handmade polymer clay Gypsy Trade Beads to create new Modern Art Jewelry designs, and have recently added them to my Etsy shop!

I am so happy it's spring and am looking forward to the balmy weather that always inspires me to add fun accessories to my wardrobe. Goodbye scarves, gloves and hats. Hello fun necklaces, chunky bracelets and bold earrings!

To celebrate, I am offering a coupon for the shop! You'll find it at the end of the post.

Here are some of my new designs
(You'll find more in the Elysian Studios Etsy Shop):

Earrings: