Feature Artist: Cindy Stevens

Cindy Stevens has long been known as the owner of Snow's Block Frame Gallery, which she has operated in her home for 21 years. But Stevens is now becoming more and more known for her work as an artist.

"I've been doing oils for six years and just love it, and that's what I want to do," Stevens says. 

While she is not closing the doors at her day job, 2011 may mean that Snow's Block Frame Gallery is open only by appointment. The paintings are selling - an excellent sign, particularly in this economy. 

"The frame shop is nice because it helps to get people seeing the art," she says.

Stevens' paintings are on display at Malone's Sandwich and Coffee House in Clinton as well.

Stevens grew up in Connecticut in a family of artists. Her mother, Shirley Price, was a pen and ink artist, and both her sister and brother paint professionally.  Stevens has lived in Clinton for over three decades.

Stevens has had an affinity for creative projects for years: she taught after-school art in Clinton and painted play sets for the local theater group. She studied watercolor painting with Lou Bonamarte, and discovered her love of oil painting after trying a en plein air workshop in Maine.

En plein air is a French expression meaning "in the open air" and refers most often to the act of painting outdoors.

Her style is impressionistic. Generally, Stevens paints landscapes, many with water and rocks. She loves to paint en plein air, which allows her to represent the intensity of color and capture light effects.  

Stevens' work was also on view at the Henry Carter Hull Library late last year.

"They hang them everywhere – the meeting room, behind the desk, upstairs with the magazines," she said.

Snow's Block Frame Gallery, located at 70 Fish Plain Road in Clinton, is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and by appointment.  Stevens can be reached at 860-669-1109 and by email at snowsblock@aol.com.