Tuesday, August 28, 2012

2012 A.R.T. Artist Danielle Clouse!

"Landlines" oil on canvas - 30X40" 
© Danielle Clouse

Originally from Ruthven, Iowa, Danielle Clouse received her Associate of Arts Degree from Iowa Lakes Community College in May of 2004 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Northwest Missouri State University with an emphasis in painting and ceramics in 2007. Clouse has exhibited her work in local and state venues, including the Lt. Governor's Office in the Iowa State Capitol in 2009; collectors of her work are from throughout the United States, in addition to Japan & Canada.  She is the Director of Visual Arts at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji and maintains a studio in her home in Spirit Lake.

"Driving By" oil on canvas - 36X36" 
© Danielle Clouse

Clouse states about her work: “An abstract approach to the rural landscape creates a different way of seeing the area around me. Our landscape is unavoidable in this area - driving from place to place, seeing it in its change of seasons, viewing it during different times of the day. Because of these factors, the landscape provides an endless color palette and endless material to work from. Some paintings are created directly from a specific area while others are based on a combination of areas and experiences. Due to this focus, venturing from small town to small town usually lends itself more to research than travel.

"Spring Afternoon" oil on canvas - 28X24" 
© Danielle Clouse

“All works are based on landscapes viewed along highways and gravel roads in Emmet, Palo Alto, Dickinson and Clay counties.  Though I have a reference for each location a painting was inspired by, I enjoy it very much when the viewer can recognize that space as well, despite how I manipulated the original reference. But, it is just as enjoyable when someone from outside this area can connect with a piece. Their response to a landscape may take them to another roadside place, one from their own life or travels.”

Clouse’s work is regularly available for sale at Art on 16th Gallery in Spirit Lake, Iowa as well as The Wine Bar in Arnolds Park. And, sometimes there’s a piece or two in her office at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.

Thank you for stopping by to see more of the artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

2012 A.R.T. at the Sanford!

Select artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip are exhibiting at the Sanford Museum through the month of August!  Take in this month's exhibit to see a sampling of works from these NW Iowa artists up close, and wet your whistle for this fall's event!

The Artisans Road Trip arranges exhibits throughout the year; its a wonderful way to spread the word about this yearly event and also expose more folks to many of the creative people of our area.

The Sanford is located in Cherokee, Iowa at 117 east Willow Street.  For more information about the exhibit you can contact the Sanford Museum at 712.225.3922.

Thanks for visiting - be sure and stop by for more exciting news from the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!!!