Today we’d like to introduce you to John Bowen.
John, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Was very fortunate to get into the commercial art field as an apprentice artist, right out of high school. Working two years in that field before enlisting in the Air Force as an illustrator. I served eight years in the service, including one year in Vietnam graphically documenting Airlift Operations in-country. After separating from service l spent the next 40 years working as an advertising artist in the newspaper business. In 2013 I self-published an illustrated book, “Eleven Months and Nineteen Days.“ In 2014 the book was awarded a Silver Medal from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. Throughout all those years, I painted watercolors for my own enjoyment and therapy for my PTSD. I’m retired now and paint full time and work with Veterans.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I consider myself a painterly realistic watercolorist. My work is very detailed, and I spent a lot of time working on the drawings before starting the painting. I’m usually not able to paint on site, so I mostly work from photos I take myself. I’m a colorist and look for strong color contrasts and dramatic lights and shadows in my paintings. I strive to tell a story or create a mood with my work. I want people who view my paintings to feel they could identify with them, feel comfortable, and walk right into them. My Art has been a therapeutic fulfillment for me. I told my family to put on my tombstone, ”He did what he wanted to do.“
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Join Art Societies, do workshops, and do outdoor art shows.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have been doing outdoor art shows, in Florida, since 1988. I belong to several art societies that I exhibit with. I have my own website: johnbowenwatercolorist.com. I also do Author’s Events.
Contact Info:
- Address: Email: jbowenartist@aol.com
- Website: johnbowenwatercolorist.com
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