Judges for the 2015 Iowa State Fair Fine Arts exhibition have selected two paintings by Paul Marlow of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for exhibition at the Iowa State Fair, August 13 - 23, 2015.
Brooklyn Gothic. 2013 Oil on canvas 48 x 48 in.
The chosen works are oil paintings, and portray recent moments in Marlow's life.
"Brooklyn Gothic" features the Brooklyn bridge in New York The painting depicts a view of the imposing 132-year old structure, as seen from a bike as he toured lower Manhattan, in June, 2013. The 48 x 48 in. work highlights an imposing granite tower, gothic-style arch and steel cables in strong diagonal lines.
"Sunlight in a Coffee Shop", was painted in the early fall of 2014, and depicts Marlow's daughter Betsy. She gazes out a window in a North Liberty, Iowa coffee shop. Afternoon sunlight streams into the shop, illuminating tables and bright red chairs.
"I have been a regular visitor to the Iowa State Fair Fine Arts exhibit for much of my life, but this was the first year I entered something", Marlow said. "I was excited to learn I got in, but when I heard they chose both paintings, I was elated." Marlow had doubted his chances of having his work selected. Both paintings are large—48 x 48" and 36 x 36" respectively, and display space at the exhibit is limited. He also just barely made the June 13 deadline for submissions.
The Iowa State Fair Fine Arts Salon has a rich and vibrant history, going back to 1854. Many of Iowa's finest artists have won prizes at the state fair, including renown regional artist Grant Wood. Beginning in 1929, Wood won prizes in oil painting four years in a row, before receiving national recognition for his iconic masterpiece, "American Gothic".
"There are so many exceptional works of art in the Iowa State Fair exhibition. Winning a prize would be too much to ask. I am honored just to be included in the exhibit," said Marlow.
Over 1 million people attend the Iowa State Fair annually.
Sunlight in a Coffee Shop. 2014 Oil on Canvas 36 in. x 36 in.