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Take a look behind the scenes at the painting process for two new landscape paintings that feature the beautiful scenery of the Colorado Rocky Mountains…

Preliminary graphite sketch for painting

Before paint can be applied, the compositions must be determined and outlined in dark graphite or charcoal on the canvases.  

Early loosely brushed layers of “Hoosier Pass, Colorado” on the easel

Broken masses of color are applied to the composition to place the elements of the landscape, and start to establish light, distance and perspective.

Middle layers of alla prima paint for “Cucumber Gulch” on the easel

 When working with thick, impressionist-style paint of rich color and distinctive brushstrokes, paint is often worked wet-on-wet to allow color and stroke to blend directly on the canvas.

The dramatic Colorado Rocky Mountain landscape has inspired these two new paintings, which both feature mountains on the distant horizon, a big cloud-filled sky, lush summer greenery, and crystal clear mountain waters.

Hoosier Pass, Colorado

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland, oil on canvas, 36 in x 18 in

This lovely view is of the Continental Divide from the main hiking loop on Hoosier Pass, located between Alma and Breckenridge.  Though this is a summer scene, some snow is still left un-melted on the highly elevated slopes of the pass.  From this location you can  see three of Colorado’s Fourteeners: Mt. Cameron, Quandry Peak and Mt. Bross, as well as Montgomery Reservoir in the distance.  My family and I enjoyed hiking this trail on a beautiful summer day this year when big fluffy clouds were plentiful, creating striking moments of warm sun and cool shade across the landscape.

Cucumber Gulch, Breckenridge, Colorado

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland, oil on canvas, 20 in x 16 in

The unique wetland landscape of the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve in Breckenridge, between the town and the base of peak 8, is a special area that provides an important habitat for moose, elk, mountain lions, beaver, and over 47 species of birds.  I had the opportunity to enjoy this landscape on a late afternoon this past June, when the clouds and the wetlands seemed to glow with summer’s warmth.

Both paintings are available at www.elysianstudiosart.com. Click on the link to read more about each painting and to see detailed photos.

I hope you enjoyed a peek behind the scenes of the paintings’ production!

“Within you is the power to do anything…with confidence and inspiration, you unlock the possibilities”

Introducing the first five pieces in
The Keyhole Art Jewelry Collection:

Verdigris Garden

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland

Love Is the Key

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland

Unlock Possibilities

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland

Treasure in the Tide Pool

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland

Rhinestone Cowgirl

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland

Each necklace has been lovingly handcrafted with special attention to artisanal details, such as wire-wrapping, hand-knotting, natural gemstones, handmade beads, and rich material textures.  Every design is original and exclusive to Elysian Studios. Each piece is one of a kind.

To see detailed images and more information about each necklace, please click on the photo or title links for each piece.  You will be directed to my new Art Jewelry Necklaces Shop at www.elysianstudiosart.com.  

Please feel free to stay and explore the new site!

Now my portfolio, paintings, jewelry, Etsy, prints and news are all in one convenient location on the web!

The expansive sky, swaying grasses, and rolling hills
of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in the Flint Hills of Kansas
create a beautiful landscape and an inspiring ecosystem. 

 Learning about the diverse vegetation, rich soil conditions, native animal populations, and land management of the precious Tallgrass prairie inspired these painterly landscapes with a modern twist.  Each painting features a dynamic composition, lush color, richly painted texture, and highlights a key component of the Flint Hills ecosystem. 

The Promise of Return- Bison of Flint Hills

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland, 12 in x 12 in, oil on canvas

Once numbering 60 million, herds of Bison were a crucial component of the Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem. Their specific grazing preferences enhance the prairie landscape. Populations were decimated by humans, but are now being successfully reintroduced.

Sunshine Underground- Flint Hills, KS

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland, 12 in x 12 in, oil on canvas

A graphic interpretation of the 70-80% of the Tallgrass Prairie’s biomass that exists underground. A dense network of deep roots creates extremely rich soil for the prairie ecosystem.  This rich soil is highly valued by farmers, as it produces bountiful crops.

Harmonious Landscape- Flint Hills, KS

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland, 12 in x 12 in, oil on canvas

An abstracted interpretation of the Tallgrass Prairie landscape, where the ecosystem thrives because of the healthy relationships between vegetation species and environmental conditions.

Cumulus Clouds Over Flint Hills

©2013 Erin Fickert-Rowland, 12 in x 12 in, oil on canvas

An expansive sky of quickly moving clouds over recently mowed prairie grasses in the Flint Hills of Kansas. “Haying” is a method of controlling growth of dominant grasses and encouraging plant diversity in the landscape.

Though I am an artist working in the Denver, Colorado area, I recently had the opportunity to visit the Flint Hills on a trip to see family. I was deeply impressed by this beautiful land and the importance of its preservation and restoration. 

I explore both traditional and abstract imagery in my art, and I wanted my paintings of the Flint Hills to reflect my passion for this unique landscape. I believe art should be an expression of both nature and the artist, so I have used traditional techniques to create imagined scenes which are true to nature yet have creative graphic elements specific to my own vision. 

Here I am on site working on sketches and collecting photographs and research before starting the paintings back in the studio!