Unlike most artists, Kimberly Bowen no longer uses watercolor, paper or canvas. Blame it on a piece of Arizona flagstone. A small piece, no larger than a piece of paper, it had some grooves and cracks and a warm color to it. Seemed to have a horse inside waiting to be brought out, and it did.

Several years later, Kimberly is still doing the strangest thing—painting horses and wildlife portraiture on flagstone. The small, watercolor paintings on small stones have given way to acrylic renditions on large stones measuring up to three foot by three foot, and weighing in at…well, just ask her husband.

Born in southern California, majoring in Interior Design, her biggest passion was riding her horses, and drawing and painting them. Largely a self-taught artist, she has been inspired by scenic Colorado and its wildlife. She now paints elk, deer, moose, bears, wolves, buffalo, mountain lions and rams in addition to her beloved western horse. And all on Arizona flagstone.

She is choosy about the stones she selects. She stares at each piece, almost as if to look inside the stone and see what it may offer. Although she will often shape the chosen stones to the proper size, the color must be right to enhance, and the natural texture must lend itself to a particular subject. And that particular subject will usually end up with her trademark kind eye.

Impossible to understand until seen in person, the extraordinary detail of each painting beckons viewers to just sit down and stare for awhile. Some of the paintings even give an almost 3-D effect making her subjects come alive. With a number of display options, including custom wrought iron wall hangers and floor stands, the stones are easy to stare at.

Keep an eye out for her paintings in future editions Cowboys and Indians, American Cowboy, or Log Home Living magazines. You can also visit her in person at various shows throughout the west. We'll keep you posted.