The Landscapes of Katherine Bowling
Born in Washington, D.C., Katherine Bowling is a painter whose work is deeply rooted in the natural world. Having grown up in Tidewater, Virginia, she went on to receive her BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1978. Her practice often centers on the landscapes of the Hudson Valley, specifically the woods, fields, and roads surrounding Scholarie County. Many of her compositions begin with photographs she takes of these environments, which serve as preliminary drawings for her paintings. While her work frequently explores terrestrial scenes, she has also produced seascape paintings inspired by her childhood summers spent at the Atlantic shore and on the Chesapeake Bay.
Technique and Materiality
Bowling’s process is defined by a rigorous layering and sanding technique on square plywood panels. She utilizes industrial media, specifically damp vinyl spackle, to create a matte, fresco-like surface. Her method involves several stages:
Her work has been exhibited in numerous solo shows and is held in several notable collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY, and the Brooklyn Museum of Art in New York, NY.
