Foothills Times January 2014 Vol 34 May 2014 | Page 16

Jean McDowall... Arriving Late But Finally Blooming by Cheryl Ann Lipstreu “Pumpkin” Winston-Salem NORTH CAROLINA “Gabe” Jean McDowall “Esme” A t her studio in Winston-Salem’s Arts District, Jean McDowall is putting the finishing touches on a recent commission. On the canvas where a handsome horse is framed against a summer sky, she adds a stroke of white highlights to the eyes, making them sparkle.“I really wanted to capture the joy in his expression, “ Jean says. “His owner was standing just a few feet out of camera range—with a bag of carrots in her hand. Notice how his ears are pricked forward? Lovely. It might have been the bond between horse and rider or the possibility of treats that brought such an alertness, but clearly, he is so happy.” While she enjoys painting landscapes and flowers, capturing the personality of animals—dogs, horses, cats and even an occasional tiger—is what Jean calls her passion. “Every animal, like every person, is unique, “ Jean says. “I love discovering that special quality and capturing it forever in a portrait.” Painting is fresh discovery for Jean. For most of her life, she worked in Illinois in communications and as a writer. Her decision to relocate to Winston-Salem in 2000, was based on two factors: a desire to escape Chicago’s bleak winters and longstanding appreciation for North Carolina’s culture and history. “I spent months traveling to other towns. When I made a weekend visit to Winston-Salem, I was astonished. The charm of the town itself, the attractions like