Author: Gavin Bowyer Fine Art : Portraiture : Design Illustration
Originally a press photographer then an Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) at Biddulph High School - winning the Dyson Design & Technology Teacher of the Year, 2006 - but I gave it up to pursue my passion for art. I naturally gravitate to ordinary people finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances or vice versa, everyday social interactions, portraiture, wildlife or pets.
For more than three decades drawing and photography have played an integral part in my creative practice. During a commission a sketch or hazy photograph maybe the only source material to work from. Whatever artwork I'm constructing really matters and brings pleasure, enjoyment and fulfilment to me. When I'm working, I have a deep level of attachment to the work. and its my passion that makes the real difference. Much of the pleasure is in the process.
You may hear it said that colour is everything, but I say black and white is more. In a world where colour reigns, I love to capture important moments for people, their pets and cherished wildlife with my distinctive black and white figurative imagery. A classic black and white artwork in the home gives the observer's eye a place to rest. Picasso claimed that 'colour weakens' the viewing experience. He believed that black and white paintings and drawings allow you to concentrate on elements such as composition, value, lighting and form. The benefit of black and white is that you can focus on the image as a whole.
A unique or custom, handmade piece created for you will break from saturated colour and enhance a your home from all other elements. Colour maybe everything but black and white is more! Make an impression and stand out from the crowd. Classic black and white art by artist, Gavin Bowyer.
I am delighted to announce my portrait ‘Moment of Inertia’ has been selected for @leamspaartgallery Open 2022 Exhibition.
Moment of Inertia
The show is an eclectic mix of artistic forms featuring sculpture, photography, installation, computer generated imagery, textiles and… my pencil drawing too!
The LSAG&M exhibition opens to the public Friday 7th October and runs through to Sunday 8 January 2023.
Drawing portraits, landscapes, still-life, Anime and more. Explore that creative journey in a warm and supportive studio environment with me, Gavin Bowyer, contemporary figurative artist, featured in the Trinity Buoy Prize 2021-22 exhibition.
Alas, like all good things they must pass. 9 months have passed, three exhibitions in London, Trowbridge and Dundee, and a total of 1100 miles travelled since I received the news my pencil portrait drawing of my wife, Jayne, had been selected for the UK’s most important prize for contemporary drawing: the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2021.
This distinction is a significant milestone in any artist’s career and I know I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help, support, and encouragement from all my family, friends and followers along the way. I would like to thank the organisers of this incredible open exhibition of drawing. It has been an honour and a pleasure to have my artwork, ‘Moment of Inertia’, to share wall space with such talented drawing artists.
Promotion Poster
I still wonder how I made it through the selection process. You may recall that 3,300 entries from 1,673 artists and makers, 101 drawings by 89 creatives were selected for the 2021 exhibition. The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize has an established reputation as the UK’s most important annual open exhibition of drawing. Happily, I will soon be reunited with my portrait of Jayne. Returned home to Studio 6 in the Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek. If you wish to take a closer look you can contact me, either: 07592 779968 or gavinbowyer45@gmail.com
I’m so happy to announce that my pencil drawing of my fellow artist and friend, titled, ‘Portrait of Portrait Artist Alvin Kofi’ will be included in the Society of Graphic Fine Art 101st Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London. The show will open to the public 17th-21st May, 2022 @mallgalleries