Noted Southern California artist Martha Cowan will paint a portrait study from life using the winner of a raffle drawing as her model at the Dec. 4, 2022, meeting of the Loma Linda Art Association. The presentation will also feature the reveal of three new leaders for the organization and the launch of the 2023 membership drive. The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the conference room of the Councilors Student Pavilion at 24945 Mound Street in Loma Linda.
Cowan, who has been painting since childhood and holds a BFA in fine art from Cal State Fullerton, has won many national and regional awards for her oil paintings of California landscapes, still lifes, vintage automobiles, people, and animals. Her work frequently evokes a sense of nostalgia.
“My desire is to give significance to things that often go unnoticed,” she says of the abandoned places and objects she loves to depict. “A sense of life and emotion comes from these subjects and I attempt to convey this in my work.” Cowan’s website — https://www.marthacowanpaintings.com/ — contains examples of her work.
James Ponder, who took office as president in January 2020, will step down from the role effective Feb. 1, 2023, and turn the mantle over to a new team of leaders who will be announced at half-time during Cowan’s demonstration. Ponder cites his recent move to the desert as an impetus for his decision to retire from the position, but not from the association. He will stay on as a publicist.
Admission is free for current members of Loma Linda Art Association and Loma Linda University Students, and $5 for everyone else. Reservations are not required.