A native of Shawano, the late Carol Rowan garnered a reputation in the Milwaukee art community for her visual interpretation of natural settings and her lush use of pastels. Encouraged at a young age to pursue a career in art, Rowan received her bachelor degree in fine arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her master in fine art from the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Rowan taught art in several school districts for many years until she retired in 1985. In her retirement she created a body of work inspired by her private garden and home on the east side of Milwaukee. Her style focuses on color relationships, the presence of light, and a sense of energy.

Her work remains in corporate collections such as Miller Brewing, Northwestern Mutual Life, and Johnson Controls as well as at the Elaine Erickson Gallery, Milwaukee.2

"In all of my art I try to capture a feeling of warmth and a sense of light and energy. The subjects are from my immediate environment.”3

1 Uebellherr, Jan. “An Artist on the Canvas and in the Kitchen”. JSOnline. Journal Interactive.` November 21, 2012.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/obituaries/an-artist-on-canvas-and-in-the-kitchen-cp7kk4j-180448481.html. June 12, 2012.
22 Rowan, Carol. Carol Rowan Pastels. www.carolrowanpastels.com. June 12, 2013.
3 DryBrush Graphics. “By the Artist: Fine Prints”. Drybrush Graphics. http://www.drybrushgraphics.com/artist-detail.php?aid=53&Ic=63. June 12, 2013.