Rowe had a vigorous realist style, but was always experimenting with new techniques and themes. In addition to his large murals, Rowe was particularly well known for landscapes. He won several painting and sculpture awards in the 1930s. For example, one of his paintings titled "Pulpweed" won an award at Albright–Knox Art Gallery show in 1938. After the Albright exhibit closed, the painting was toured around western New York. In addition, his works were exhibited in the 1939 New York World’s Fair and San Francisco’s Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939-1940.