It is no secret I am a huge fan of abstract art.  I have recently been introduced to the work of Lindsay Cowles of Richmond, Virginia.  Get to know her and enjoy her creative talents below. 

Untitled 88- 40″x50″ oil on canvas AVAILABLE for sale

 What is your training?

 

I am self-taught, aside from the art classes I took all the way through grade school.  Since I have limited formal training, I push myself to learn something new every day through my successes and failures.  Reaching outside of my comfort zone and trying new techniques is the way I grow and evolve.  For me, creating is learning, learning is evolving.  Each day is an evolution from the last.

 

What inspires you and your art?

My art is inspired by raw texture, movement and colors found in nature blended with many of the similar elements recreated through interior design. The fundamental elements of my paintings are founded in the layering and texturing of each work. Color, layered space, movement and organic simplicity are central themes of my work. 

What is your favorite installation of your work or piece? picture if possible…

 

My favorite recent installation is at the Ledbury store in Richmond, VA.  They have such a cool, raw, American look, which goes perfectly with the men’s shirting they sell.  Their store is in an old building in downtown Richmond.  It’s rustic and refined.  They have one of my absolute favorite paintings of all time installed in their store.  It is solid black, made of oil, cold wax and pine on canvas.  The painting is organic and raw, but refined at the same time. It fits in perfectly with the tufted leather couch and the mounted animal heads in the store.  I just love the way it looks in the space. The painting, “Tsunami”, is available for purchase.

How has the south influenced your work?

 

I lived in New York and Los Angeles for a total of 8 years combined.  Living in such urban environments directed my color stories into a more neutral palate- particularly grays and whites.  About a year ago, I moved back to my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. The biggest change that I have seen in my work since the move is the addition of bright color!  I absolutely love it! 

What is your favorite restaurant in Richmond?

 

The Richmond restaurant scene is fantastic!  I am 100% a foodie, so I make sure to get out and try everything I can.  Right now I can’t get enough of Pasture—serving gourmet Southern cooking.  My staple lunch favorite is the black-eyed pea falafel wrap.  YUM!

What is your favorite cocktail?

 

Since the weather is warm right now, I’d have to say my favorite drink is a glass of chilled rose.  It’s crisp, clean and refreshing.

How do you balance your personal life (or children) and work?

 

Striking a balance is definitely difficult for be because I love what I do so much that I can have the tendency get lost in my work.  I am the artist and the marketing guru for my business.  So, whenever I am having a creative block with my paints, I focus on marketing, and vice versa.  It takes quite a bit of time, thought and energy to manage both sides of the business.  But, I know it’s important to make sure that I don’t burn out from all of it.  Exercise is a key factor in my personal balance—it helps me reflect and recharge.  I enjoy swimming, running, hiking, cycling.  I am getting ready to start training for my 3^rd ½ marathon, which is coming up in November!  I can’t wait!

Dream trip?

 

I LOVE traveling.  And there are SO MANY places that I want to go.  The top of my list right now is Africa.  I studied quite a bit of African history at the University of Virginia and I am absolutely fascinated by it—the history, the culture, and the people.   Morocco, South Africa and Botswana are on my list of African countries to visit.  African safari, here I come!

Dream commission?

 

All of my commissions are dreams!  In fact, every day is a dream.  I am so lucky to be able to say that my work is my passion.  So many people spend their lives trying to figure out their dreams and passions, and mine is right in front of me.  I am incredibly grateful for everyone who follows and supports my work. 

 

Your favorite hostess gift?

 

My go to hostess gifts are generally Lindsay Cowles note cards.  No one can ever have too many note cards, and what fun to have some that feature original works of art on the front!  They are available for sale directly through me or on Etsy.

Who is your style icon?

 

I’d have to say Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and the Olsen’s would be my style icons.  They aren’t afraid to push the boundaries and wear what makes them feel chic.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

 

Jim Black.  I am definitely biased because he is my friend, but his work is AMAZING.  My favorites are his black and white abstract series that is featured on UGallery.  Check them out!

What is your most treasured possession?

 

Mimi, my French bulldog is my most treasured possession (if I can call her a possession?!).  I got her when I was living in NYC, she moved with me to Los Angeles and finally back to Richmond.  I literally take her everywhere with me.  She runs up to 6 miles with me, travels on planes cross-country and sits in my studio with me while I paint.  She has the cutest, sweetest, most hilarious personality.  She lights up all of my days.