Watercolor, wonder, and the quiet joy of paying attention
There is something unmistakably gentle about Tamara Cowart’s work.
It does not shout.
It invites.
It invites you to slow down. To notice. To remember that each day is a gift.
Born and raised in Florida, Tamara first experienced the Lowcountry when her husband was stationed in North Charleston with the U.S. Navy. Years and many moves later, a civilian job brought them back in 2020, and this time Summerville became home.
“Summerville’s historic significance, southern charm, and friendly people have made us feel at home,” she shares.
Through her art, she now shares that love with others.
Training Her Eyes to See
Tamara describes her style as leaning toward realism, though she has begun allowing more whimsy to emerge by leaving bits unfinished, adding unexpected marks, and experimenting with playful color.
Her work celebrates what she calls everyday beauty. Birds and flowers. Southern porches. Ocean views. Gatherings with friends. At the heart of it all is a desire to truly see.
In her recent “Meet the Artist” feature, she reflects on Psalm 19:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands…”
For Tamara, standing at the edge of the ocean or sketching beneath magnolia trees is more than artistic practice. It is worship, gratitude, and awe.
She believes that when we slow down enough to observe colors, textures, shapes, and shadows, we discover something deeper. She hopes her collectors feel that as well.
Watercolor as Worship
Tamara works primarily in watercolor and acrylic, often layering in ink, pastel, or colored pencil.
Watercolor remains her beloved medium, the one she continually returns to.
“There’s something so therapeutic about swishing my brush through water and pigment,” she says.
Her creative rhythm begins in the mornings. Coffee. Quiet time. Prayer. Journaling. Then she moves into her studio, often listening to music. Sometimes she sketches freely without direction. Other times she carefully plans compositions before transferring them to archival watercolor paper.
She laughs about being too critical of her own work and needing to step away before returning with fresh eyes. Sometimes she finishes when she loves it. Sometimes when a deadline arrives.
That honesty makes her work deeply human.
Nature Journaling and Plein Air
Recently, Tamara has fallen in love again with plein air sketching and nature journaling.
She encourages others not to be too precious with every page.
“It’s not going to be a masterpiece. It’s a memory in time.”
That philosophy carries into her finished pieces. They feel like pages from a life well observed. Azaleas and shadows. Carolina Wrens perched with spunky attitude. Blue skies stretching over palm-lined streets.
Her favorite Lowcountry subject to paint is the Carolina Wren.
“Every time this adorable bird shows up, it makes me smile.”
That is the essence of her work. Small moments that make you smile.
Art That Encourages Connection
At the heart of Tamara’s work is something even more important than technique. Relationships.
She writes about gathering with friends and family, sitting on porches with sweet tea, chasing children full of energy, holding hands while walking down the road, and dancing in the rain.
Her watercolor workshops at Art on the Square are designed around the idea of creative connections.
She wants people to leave refreshed, encouraged, and seen.
“I have seen firsthand how art is very helpful for your mental health,” she says.
Her paintings, priced accessibly from $35 to $395 and ranging from 5 x 7 inches to 20 x 20 inches, are meant to fit into real homes. Not everyone has space for a large statement piece, she explains, but there is always a small corner that could use a touch of cheerful color.
A Collector Story That Says It All
One of Tamara’s favorite experiences happened at a local restaurant where a woman texted her about purchasing a painting she had on display.
She and her sister were so excited to meet Tamara in person.
“We both have photos taken of us with her new painting,” she recalls. “She said it was perfect for her home.”
That is what Tamara hopes for every piece. That it will find the right home and evoke a smile, a fond memory, or a sense of peace.
For the Collector Who Loves Blue Skies and Sweet Tea
If you love:
Ocean breezes and palm trees
Tropical birds and botanical detail
Porches, gatherings, and southern charm
Faith woven gently into everyday life
Then Tamara’s work may feel like it was painted just for you.
She imagines her art living in homes where it adds a spot of cheer. A small area that needs just the right touch of color and design.
Her favorite color is blue. Phthalo. Cobalt. Cerulean. Ultramarine. She laughs that she could go on.
You can feel that love of blue in her skies and waters.
Tamara Cowart’s work is available at Art on the Square Gallery in downtown Summerville and online. We invite you to experience her joyful watercolor world in person and perhaps begin noticing the beauty around you in a new way.
Each day is a gift.