The peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne in Irish) has large craggy cliffs standing tall, guarding against the relentless might of the Atlantic Ocean. It is in county Kerry and is the western most point of Ireland and Europe. Looking out from the cliffs all one sees is the ocean that extends uninterrupted until you reach the Americas...a view and concept that brought wonder to my relatives several generations ago.
Acrylic on canvas
30" X 20"
J.G. Rowsome
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In English, conqueror and in the 16th through 18th centuries Kukistedoris did just that...colonizing much of the world as explorers and soldiers opening new trade routes for both the Spanish and Portuguese empires. They were revered, proud, arrogant and fearless. With horse they would sit tall in elaborate saddles with bridals and armour of mail, silver, gold and leather.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
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Much of the world was discovered almost impossibly by utilizing large sheets of fabric canvas to capture wind in order to explore our planet...from aboriginals who used rafts to cross seas to settle Australia to European voyages circumnavigating & mapping much of the globe...a way was found using primitive vessels & wind to expand knowledge illustrating our quest to learn & grow. This piece is dedicated to tenacity, courage and adaptability...wind & sail.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 20"
J.G Rowsome
My Canadian centennial project involved travelling to Britain, Ireland & visiting Trinity College in Dublin where my mother went to school. A Henry Moore sculpture had just been installed at Exhibition Hall establishing the first university art gallery in Ireland. I had never experienced anything quite like that sculpture. It was abstract & modernistic… full of power and grace. The Anglo-Irish artist had at once captured the essence of the human body, movement & landscape with smooth, large-scale, bronze shapes...brilliant. Let’s get out the transparent brown & anthraquinone blue.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
Apparently there is no central point of the universe. In fact, the cosmos is expanding in every direction & there is general agreement that a big bang began the process. You would think that such a bang involving a massive release of energy would require some originating centre core. As such, we dedicate this piece to the cosmic beginning by interpreting the moment the bang took place.
Acrylic on canvas
20" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
Atoms are the basic unit of all matter comprising protons, neutrons and electrons surrounded by empty space. Electrons are very small being 1,800 times lighter than either of the other 2 particles that form the nucleus. However, its negative charge keeps an atom together as it orbits with a remarkable radius that is 10,000 times greater than the nucleus if you can believe it. Hats off to the electron...the little particle that could!
3-panel triptych, acrylic on canvas
12" X 24" X 3
J.G. Rowsome
Human settlements grew as administrative, legal, commercial & archival activity intensified. This urban growth is all based on local law, an important fact as no other mammal can survive & cooperate in numbers exceeding 150...sapiens live, work and interact in high density cities with populations well over 1 million...quite amazing and highly paintable!
Acrylic on canvas
48" X 48" (4 feet by 4 feet)
J.G. Rowsome
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A collection of fascinating stars orbit a galactic core, bound together by gravity. These clusters can be found in the halo of a galaxy and contain some of the first stars formed. They are brightly situated on the periphery of a parent galaxy and certainly provide inspiration when gazed upon in the night sky.
Acrylic on terra skin and canvas
35" x 25"
J.G. Rowsome
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If you take the time to look into a thicket or foliage in a garden...the webs, leaves, seed pods along with ground and vine colour can resemble the mystical images we experience far out in space.
Acrylic on terra skin and canvas
35" x 25"
J.G. Rowsome
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May 1, 2016 a wildfire ignited Southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta, causing 80,000 people to flee for their lives...many of whom captured their narrow escape on smart phones as they torqued along roads that cut right into the inferno that became known as the "Beast". Many structures in the city were destroyed and by the end of May, the "Beast" remained untamed, ravaging 580,000 hectares, lurking just 25 kilometres from city limits...nobody died, but nobody could go home. Unspeakable horror.
Acrylic on terra skin and canvas box
12" x 12"
J.G. Rowsome
100 years ago we thought the Milky Way was the full extent of the universe. We now know that there are at least 100 billion galaxies distributed everywhere we gaze in the sky. Can't bend the mind around 1 galaxy let alone billions...thank heavens for paint!
Acrylic on terra skin and canvas
35" x 25"
J.G. Rowsome
When an electron is knocked off an atom it becomes a positively charged ion. Add an electron and the atom becomes a negative ion. Okay, let's paint knocking an electron off and adding one at the same time. It might not make good science but could make stellar art!
Acrylic on terra skin and canvas
35" x 25"
J.G. Rowsome
When human's are inspired, there is no limit to the creativity and engineering skill that is amassed to build edifices /shrines /temples /churches. This is almost as wondrous as the incredible angst, fear and misunderstanding that can emanate from within the walls of such inspirational structures.
Acrylic on canvas
24" x 30"
J.G. Rowsome
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Canadian winters can be long and cold. As the months go by, little pleasures become larger than life...so, on a frozen day as you sip a heavenly mixture of steaming milk, thick cocoa mass, sugar and whole cream you cease to be concerned about another cold, stormy, grey day.
Acrylic on canvas
20" x 30"
J.G. Rowsome
The Hubble space telescope was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990 and has become one of the world's premier observatories. The Hubble has recorded the most detailed visible-light images from deep in space and time...and makes spectacular art in the process!
Layered acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
J.G. Rowsome
The universe would appear to have evolved from a very high density mass coupled with extraordinary temperature some 14 billion years ago...it's the big bang theory. Light elements and cosmic microwaves are thereby explained by this mathematical hypothesis which goes on to state that as the universe cooled, atoms were formed and with the help of gravity, stars and galaxies established. How incredible!
Acrylic on canvas
30" x 20"
J.G. Rowsome
Kingdoms, treachery, power, deceit, beauty, wealth, lust, betterment, death: a game of thrones. So sad, so legendary, so paintable.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
Dedicated to the ground breaking art of Canadian abstractionist, Jean-Paul Riopelle, whose collections are featured in National galleries and the MoMA. Along with Barbeau, Mousseau & Morrisset he produced work with complete spontaneity and when it was suggested that his work was full of new discoveries he merely stated it could only be achieved by "total chance".
Acrylic & matte on paper & canvas
10" x 8"
J.G. Rowsome
Until it passes close to a Sun, a comet is icy. Once it heats up it can develop a gaseous tail...something observed & recorded since ancient times. Comets are dramatic, but in fact just a loose collection of ice, dust and small rocky particles...but really paintable!
acrylic on paper & canvas board
14" x 11"
J.G. Rowsome
Cubists wished to emphasize the dimensional side of canvas & establish geometric forms from non-traditional vantage points. Even a monochromatic rendering under such circumstances can bring force to a painting.
Acrylic on paper & canvas
12" x 10"
J.G. Rowsome
There is something primordial & spiritual about walking a beach with waves of the sea crashing to shore. It is mesmerizing and somewhat hypnotic to hear the thunder of the ocean and watch the cresting and troughing of different sized waves , the patterns they make as they blend into one another....it's powerful & it's real.
Acrylic on paper and canvas
30" x 20"
J.G. Rowsome
Cubism became the initial abstract art form. The movement in the early 1900's rejected traditional perspective drawing and the notion that art should mirror nature. Picasso & Braque, influenced by the shapes, colour and dimensional aspects of Cezanne's and African artwork are credited with forging this new art form.
Acrylic on canvas
20" x 30"
J.G. Rowsome
Touched by rolling nickel azo gold onto canvas, memories flooded in of a magical rock in a magical place near 70 Mile House and Watch Lake, where, growing up, we herded cattle in early July to pasture land on an island off Green Lake...the absolute best of times.
Acrylic on canvas
30" x 24"
J.G. Rowsome
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Thousands of years ago early man discovered that by forming communities they could sustain a food supply. At the heart of the community was the farm...while farmland has consolidated for the most part and communities migrated to the ethernet, population grows and fewer farms produce vastly greater yields and variety of crops than ever imagined by our ancestors. We are thankful.
Acrylic on canvas
18" x 30"
J.G. Rowsome
The colours of the desert are always haunting...it marries the concept of revenant. You look over a mesa, a valley, a plain and you can see the spirits move. In The Phantom World, Augustin Calmet stated: "It is the strength of the revenant, by the return of his soul into his body..." Deserts are mysterious and leave lasting, powerful impressions.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
It is a very complex semi fluid that comprises the interior of a living cell: proteins, fats and other molecules suspended and feeding the cell. Protoplasm resembles a jelly so couldn't resist the heavy use of polymer gel & medium.
Polymer gloss & acrylic on canvas
12" X 10"
J.G. Rowsome
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It's fascinating, protoplasm contains both organic and inorganic substances, representing a cell's living nucleus, cytoplasm and the like. This stuff is at the heart of living matter so the canvas definitely needs more than paint.
Polymer gloss & acrylic on canvas
12" X 10"
J.G. Rowsome
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The Inspiration: This is the address of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The collection is immense. Their mission statement says it all "The MoMA is a place that fuels creativity, ignites minds and provides inspiration". Yes, yes it does and this commitment extends to the provision of exhibitions of MoMA's vast collection to galleries around the world. Abstractionism will live forever!
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
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It's an incredible State....mountains, butte's and deserts, shrouded in colour and foliage that is unique and impactful. This coupled with big skies and long vistas are most compelling and hopefully paintable.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 18"
J.G. Rowsome
Such matter is a major force in the universe, but unseen by its emitting radiation. Powerful in that it is detected by the gravitational effects on that which can be seen around it. The Baryronic definition covers black holes, neutrons, stars and dwarf planets. From an astrological perspective there is much to interpret and paint.
Acrylic on paper & canvas
11" X 14"
J.G. Rowsome
The word is fabricated by combining Spanish, French and English for horse/cavalry. A multimedia show takes you on an historical journey of the magical and important relationship between humans and the horse. Even with acrobatics and equestrian prowess, majestic horses steal the show. May we hope polymer and acrylics can do them justice.
Polymer gloss, medium & acrylic on canvas
14" X 11"
J.G. Rowsome
Even the seemingly indestructibility of our cities with their large buildings, hustle, bustle, promise and self-absorbed importance will fade away...cities will be disrupted...infrastructure fail...residents migrate...it all fades away. This came during an innocent winter Saturday walk through downtown Detroit.
Acrylic on paper& canvas
22" X 28"
J.G. Rowsome
Colour Field is a style of abstract expressionism that began, not surprisingly, in New York. This form involves large fields of flat solid colour spread into the canvas creating "areas of unbroken surface" ...and the artist builds shapes.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 36"
J.G. Rowsome
As the sun starts setting, light changes and with it the colours of daylight. Where the sun hits trees and gardens at this time, the colour is elevated, surrounded, as it is, with the deepening colours of nightfall. Just as it does to the island across the bay from the cottage deck. It sorts itself out in abstraction.
Acrylic on canvas
36" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
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Different media employed including lumps of dried acrylic green to help create the destruction and power of uncontrolled torrents of water. Unexpected flooding of geomorphic lowlands is caused by heavy rains, broken dams, snow fields or severe storms destroying nature, infrastructure and people over wide swathes of countryside.
Acrylic on canvas
30" X 23 3/4"
J.G. Rowsome
The universe is something science has been bending it's mind around since our beginning. Time, space; planets, stars, galaxies; earth's geology, atoms, molecules and cells all come into play. The concept is abstract, all encompassing and can't be held within the walls of an institution, it's far too complex. Close as I can get is watching the outcome of paint on canvas.
Acrylic on canvas
30" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
Landscape impressionism is compelling and special so why not apply the interpretation to the high density population and structures of towns and cities...why not indeed!
Polymer gloss & acrylic on canvas
24" X 18"
J.G. Rowsome
It starts off as a scientific observation identifying the emission of electromagnetic radiation from excited atoms...a specific shift in the energy of an electron moving from one surface to another. It can be brightly coloured or a dark line on a series of images. Oh, this fits into the art of abstraction like a glove!
Mounted 2-panel diptych, acrylic on canvas
10" X 30" X 2
J.G. Rowsome
The spinal cord carries 2 main functions...it connects a large part of our nervous system to the brain as well as transmits sensory nerve impulses up into the brain. To the second function: this painting was layered using 5 applications of acrylic on acrylic and acrylic with silica sand. A lot of time was spent crouched over the canvas on the ground...my back hurt.
Silica & acrylic on canvas
36" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
This painting started with the modern in broad strokes and finished with the superimposed old. In the process we hopefully emoted images of past and present structural history...regardless of age, imposition is imposition.
Acrylic on canvas
20" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
In 1839 Edward Bulwer-Lytton coined the phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword". The playwright went on, "behold the arch-enchanters wand...taking sorcery from the master-hand..." The statement illustrates that the power of an independent media is more effective than the use of direct violence...with more than a passing analogy to monsters and the bewitched. The creative is enticed.
Acrylic on canvas
30" X 20"
J.G. Rowsome
Plains natives would drive bison over rock cliffs to waiting tribal members below who would finish them off (if necessary). The Blackfoot of Canada and the U.S. called these jumps pishkun. Ulm is a community near a rock face over a mile long, the biggest pishkun in the world. When feeling very blue or a painting isn't working, I feel like a herded bison heading over the cliff.
Acrylic on canvas
28" X 22"
J.G. Rowsome
It remains a wonder how man, even in this day and age of some enlightenment, can, in the name of their beliefs, however laudable they may be, commit impersonal, cruel and barbarous acts against fellow humans...often occurring without fear of self-preservation or order. Very gory, very bloody, very sad, very wrong.
Silica sand & acrylic on canvas
24" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
Cambridge holds a professorship in mathematics, physics, theory and recently, cosmology. The Chair was founded in 1663, its former holders include Isaac Newton, Paul Dirac, Stephen Hawking (30 year Chair) and Michael Green...it's all about gravity, space, time and the universe...the Chair illustrates our evolving scientific understanding...this piece is an attempt to pay homage to their work.
Acrylic on paper & wood
11" X 14"
J.G. Rowsome
This is matter formed from gases, rock, dust and other stuff. It can create rings around planets when formed into debris discs...they can be several meters to hundreds of kilometres wide...beautiful and inspiring.
Acrylic & polyurethane on paper & canvas
11" X 14"
J.G. Rowsome
It happens when light or electromagnetic radiation from objects increase in wave length...wait...here it comes...or shifted to the red end of the light spectrum. Red light represents low frequency and blue the highest...lets be subtle about a representation on canvas.
Polymer matte medium & acrylic on canvas
11" X 14"
J.G. Rowsome
Hawking assures us that if we fall into a black hole in space, all that will happen is we pop up in another universe...thank heavens! But wait a minute, if you are falling towards a white hole, Hawking says you can't enter as the other side of this bridge contains a growing baby universe...perhaps like a baby ready to pop out of a womb...my head hurts, let's paint.
Acrylic & polyurethane on paper & canvas
20" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
There is a universal acceptance that a yet unknown and unidentified form of energy permeates space. The universe is expanding at an accelerating rate defying the laws of gravitational effects thanks to this theoretical dark energy. Mysterious force affecting the universe, got to capture this concept.
Acrylic & polyurethane on paper & canvas
24" X 18"
J.G. Rowsome
This is a theoretical term wherein one attempts to unify gravity with other fundamental forces of physics. The quantum is the minimum amount of virtual particles that mediate gravitational force. We are down to gravitons, electrons, photons and quarks here...the important thing, to be sure, is that they all have colour.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 20"
J.G. Rowsome
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A book by John Berendt takes place in beautiful Savannah, Georgia (the title is different)...a true story of the killing of a male prostitute and four murder trials that finally acquitted a prominent citizen. The tawdry nature of relationships and murder lies in sharp contrast to gentile surroundings and culture...they all give way to drugs, sex and voodoo activity...good and evil abound.
Acrylic on canvas
36" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
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Robert Motherwell did an extensive series of abstractions that formed a memorial to the Spanish Civil War. Hence the title. He was an academic writer, editor and lecturer as well as an acclaimed first wave abstractionist. He drew direct comparisons between his abstract expressionism and contemporary events, thoughts and essential human conditions...the full package of connection and inspiration.
Payne's gray on canvas
30" X 20"
J.G. Rowsome
Why? "The nature of anguish is translated into different forms...you paint the way you have to in order to give. That's life itself & someone will look and say it is the product of knowing, but it has nothing to do with knowing, it has to do with giving". Franz Kline
Acrylic on canvas
16" X 20"
J.G. Rowsome
Magi found it's root as far back as the 6th Century BC in both Ancient Greek and Latin. It denoted Eastern Mediterranean & Asian followers of Zoroaster and then morphed into names for practitioners of magic, astrology & alchemy. Understandably various religions used the Magi in their stories to create lasting impressions & teachings.
Acrylic & metallic gold on canvas
24" X 30"
J.G. Rowsome
In English the term Magi is used by Christians to refer to the three wise men who came from the east to visit the infant Jesus...born in Bethlehem...providing us with visions of a galactic star, desert, gold, frankincense and myrrh...yes, an abstraction this could make.
Acrylic & metallic gold on canvas
30" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
This spiral galaxy is part of a group of Virgo cluster galaxies a mere 60 million light years away. It wasn't located until 2006 and we are told that it's luminosity is lower than most clusters. It's high mass to light ratio implies that the galaxy is dominated by dark matter. What can we do with this factoid?
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 18"
J.G. Rowsome
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There was an unassuming place called Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in rural Alabama...it's influence on rock and soul music became legendary. In 1969, the Rolling Stones, tired of endless touring and wanting to be any where but on the road, sought refuge in Muscle Shoals. In 3-days Jagger and Richards in collaboration with the studio penned and recorded Wild Horses, a top 500 rock song of all time; covered by everyone; heard on movie & TV tracks; and in my painting place.
Acrylic on canvas
20" X 24"
J.G. Rowsome
To maintain discipline, adhere to certain rules while exhibiting an abundance of creativity and colour in a free flow environment calls for a very special talent as one channels the process…very few conquer this demanding art form…it is my fortune to know several such people.
Acrylic on canvas
28 X 22
J.G. Rowsome
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Space is a void existing, as it does, between galaxies, planets & stars...but it is not completely empty...Space is a hard vacuum containing particles like hydrogen, helium, electromagnetic radiation, dust and cosmic rays...paintable? You bet.
Acrylic on paper & canvas
28" X 22"
J.G. Rowsome
Volcanic mountain of solfataric rock straddles the Pacific Ring of Fire located over both the Indo-Australian and Eurasian Plates. Molten lava, fire, gas and ash spew from 1 of 4 craters. The earth's scalding centre powers ash and smoke to shoot 1.5 kilometres high. The power...capture it.
Acrylic on canvas
24" X 20"
J.G. Rowsome
The morning sky was clear blue as 2 hijacked planes plowed into the Twin Towers...black, blue and white smoke billowed...the steel framed structures first in the South Tower then the North finally collapsed...creating a debris and dust field that destroyed the whole WTC complex and travelled for miles through the CBD. It was awful and powerful...2,700 people died along with the 2-110 storey buildings.
Acrylic & matte on canvas
11" X 14 1/2"
J.G. Rowsome