"I've always been drawn to impressionistic realism when making art," said Dowdle. "And from Cache Valley to Capitol Reef, from Caineville to Riverdale, the scenery is exciting."
Though "exciting" may not be the first thing that leaps to mind when looking at Dowdle's paintings, she does imbue the rustic hills and wood buildings of her work with their own quiet majesty. Ramshackle houses and barns seem tiny when surrounded by Dowdle's vast expanses, washed in either summer's heat or winter's grey chill.
Sometimes, people or animals creep into Dowdle's paintings, either pumpkin harvesters such as the one in Jenson Historical Barn - Cache Valley or a group of grazing animals too small to truly be identified.
One piece, displayed in the front window of Lamplight, includes southern Utah's famous red rock. Even then, however, the arches and cliffs are pushed aside in favor of a little valley, complete with a log cabin so well-evoked it's almost possible to see the cracks between the logs.
An artist since first grade, Dowdle has also explored some of the more exotic parts of the world, creating a series of works based on the time her family spent on the South Pacific island of Tonga. She has also explored some of the wilds of Wyoming, holding independent shows there and becoming an associate member of the Wyoming Artists Association, which her daughter is also a member of.
Dowdle also enjoys working with pastel and gouache, and as also been known to make abstract sculpture. Artwork in these mediums, as well as her oils, have found homes at the Bountiful/Davis Art Center, the Springville Museum of Art, the Eccles Art Center and the Hogle Zoo.
An open house featuring Dowdle's work is scheduled for June 20 at Lamplight Gallery from 6-9 p.m. For more information, please call 298-0290.
jwardell@davisclipper.com
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