One of the characteristics of Magic Realism in art is that "it has an unsettling quality, remarkable details, sharp focus and some mystery or a secret seems to be hidden within the subject matter". This seems to describe perfectly the amazing work of Michigan artist and self-described crow lover Andrea Kowch.
Her impeccable technique reminds us of the Masters. Her subject matter would have been a rendering of simple life in rural Middle America if it wasn't infused with such madness. I love the moodiness of her country scenes, their symbolism, and I love the wind that just won't quit blowing.
The women in her paintings look like sisters brewing over a recent argument and still trying to get things done around the farm. In my favorite piece called "The Visitors" they manage to get on with pie-baking despite the added chaos of a dozen crows and a ferocious dog.
A pre-tornado atmosphere takes over most of Andrea's paintings....
...and still her women go about their lives as if everything was normal.
Andrea Kowch's fantastical themes are made even more powerful by her controlled, delicate and classically beautiful technique.
Here is Andrea herself:
I was reassured to see that she looks happy, serene, and not at all like the characters in her art.
You can read interesting comments about each one of her pieces on her great blog.
very Andrew Wyeth gone mad & wild*!
Posted by: kara rane | Tuesday, 10 April 2012 at 10:01 AM
Nice paintings.I would love to see them again and again.
Thanks for this great post.
Posted by: canvas art | Monday, 21 May 2012 at 02:39 AM
Nice paintings.Specially i like the face.
Posted by: wall art | Wednesday, 23 May 2012 at 04:30 AM
Thanks for your comments :) Kara, I totally agree with you about that !
Posted by: Isabelle Bryer | Wednesday, 23 May 2012 at 09:34 AM
Hi there,
Nice stuff great artist!
Please checkout our newly art blog, leave us a comment and contact me for special prices,
Rupert
http://rupertlewisart.blogspot.de/
Posted by: Rupert | Tuesday, 29 May 2012 at 02:59 AM
Ditto what Kara said. We go often to the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Maine to see all the Wyeths work. Andrea's work would show well there.
Posted by: Art By Katy | Saturday, 02 June 2012 at 05:33 PM
Just amazing painting. I am so wonder after visit your post. You've done really excellent work. I'll visit your blog again.
Posted by: Ayisha | Wednesday, 27 June 2012 at 12:40 AM
Thank you Ayisha. I am looking forward to your comments.
Posted by: Isabelle Bryer | Wednesday, 27 June 2012 at 04:35 PM
Her art is beautiful and unique. Thanks for the introduction.
Posted by: Lucy Chen | Saturday, 14 July 2012 at 01:55 AM
Portrait of your Dad...don't touch it. It looks so fresh and finished, excellent painting.
Amazingly beautiful works...keep it up!
Posted by: portraitartist105 | Saturday, 14 July 2012 at 10:42 PM
Just amazing painting. I am so wonder after visit your post. You've done really excellent work. I'll visit your blog again.
Posted by: Color Experts | Monday, 30 July 2012 at 01:35 AM
Amazing mix of Chaos, beauty and history. Great work and thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jakob | Wednesday, 08 August 2012 at 01:41 PM
Very nice. Awesome pictures.
Posted by: Artepick.org | Wednesday, 15 August 2012 at 04:59 AM
Cool, like the funky hair :)
Posted by: Frank Zweegers | Thursday, 22 November 2012 at 04:30 AM
Just came across your blog and love your work! And thank you for letting me know about Andrea's work. I love the aspect of the horrific with the beautiful.
Posted by: Lisa Pijuan-Nomura | Sunday, 24 March 2013 at 09:47 AM
Thank you for your comment Lisa. I agree that creepy/ haunting and beautiful is a great mix in art.
Posted by: Isabelle | Monday, 25 March 2013 at 09:52 AM