Show Preview | Coeur d'Alene Galleries: Elizabeth Robbins

Coeur d’Alene, ID, October 12-November 9

Elizabeth Robbins, Peaches, oil, 11 x 14.

This story was featured in the October 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Order the Southwest Art magazine October 2012 print edition here, or purchase the Southwest Art magazine October 2012 digital download here. Or subscribe to Southwest Art magazine and never miss a story!

On Friday, October 12, Coeur d’Alene Galleries unveils eight new works by still-life artist Elizabeth Robbins. Although best known for her warm, lightly impressionistic florals, and in particular for her roses, Robbins says that a move to Colorado has sparked notable changes in her work, and even the florals are different from the works she has done in the past. The show opens with an artist’s reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 12.

As the artist moves beyond roses and azaleas, her collectors will find works with pansies and, in what Robbins says might be her favorite piece, trumpet vine. “I love the color orange,” she says, “and it’s an unusual flower. Just the way it draped really excited me when I set it up.” These works reveal a change in her color palette as well as a more southwestern flair.

And, she says, “I was petaled out. I just wanted to do something with simpler forms. It was more about having fun and not being so involved in the little shapes.” PEACHES, which depicts several of the fruit on a flow blue plate, also employs a fresh vantage point for the artist. “I had a very vivid dream about this painting,” she says. “You think about paintings all the time,” she notes, but this painting took on an almost spiritual dimension because she saw it before she painted it.

The most dramatic changes in Robbins’ work, however, are seen in a series of western-themed still lifes featuring Native American drums, shields, and tomahawks as well as animal skulls. When he saw her western work for the first time, gallery owner Buddy Le says he was surprised on two levels: First, because this work was so different from what he expects from Robbins. “But then also I was surprised to see how well she painted it,” he says.

Le says, “When you’re surrounded by Elizabeth’s work, the variety of colors immediately grabs your attention. You can feel the softness of the flowers, and the fragrance of the roses exudes off the canvas. When you see her new western works, you can see the progression of a talented artist.” —Laura Rintala

contact information
208.667.7732
 www.cdagalleries.com

Featured in the October 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art magazine October 2012 digital download
Southwest Art magazine October 2012 print edition
Or subscribe to Southwest Art magazine and never miss a story!