Robin Townsend

"For both the viewer and participant, painting offers escape from the demands and stresses of daily living. In most all my works, I try to evoke a positive mode whether it be pensive and reflective, or joyous and ebullient.'"

Robin Howe Townsend, a native New Englander transplanted to Tennessee, has become known for her uplifting, colorful and whimsical paintings. An extremely conscientious scholar, Robin used to study assiduously but without joy. Then, only four years ago, at mid-life, she discovered the freedom accompanying art. Finding a brush restrictive, Robin uses her fingers to transmit feelings freely from the spirit to paper. She rips, pours, sprays and pats her acrylic paintings and collages.

When not raising her three children and running a bed and breakfast, Robin paints daily in her laundry room. Her landscapes are not places she has traveled. Rather they reflect places she might hope to see. For instance, on cloudy days, she will paint bright skies or imagine a spot in the south of France. In summer's intense heat, she might paint a cool day in the Cotwolds.

Robin has received recognition in both national and international competitions. As her children continue to grow, she hopes to pursue her art even more.