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.
‘Pretence of Wisdom’ A portrait of my grandmother, Joan Bennett (1921-2000)
Preparing for this is rather exciting first appearance at Mall Gallery Exhibition, London.
Dear Artist I can confirm that your painting has been selected for Final Selection. Congratulations! Mike Clark. Treasurer
Society of Graphic Fine Art
99th Annual Open Exhibition at Mall Galleries, London.
The Drawing Society Established in 1919, the Society of Graphic Fine Art exists to promote and exhibit works of high quality in colour or black and white with the emphasis on good drawing and draughtsmanship, in pencil, pen, brush, charcoal, conté or any of the forms of original printmaking, as well as any original artwork including paintings, which demonstrate evidence of drawing by hand.
The exhibition will be held at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, St. James, London SW1.
Eligibility
Submissions of work are invited from visual artists working in any medium which demonstrate evidence of drawing.
Artwork Types
The SGFA exists to promote fine art drawing skills, to this end the selection committee will be looking for strong evidence of drawing in the work submitted.
Work that is eligible for submission includes: Drawings in any medium, monochrome or colour – pencil, coloured pens and pencils, pen and ink, pastels and oil pastels, charcoal, conté, etc.
Any original artwork which demonstrates evidence of drawing by hand: – original printmaking, watercolours, acrylics, oils and 3-Dimensional work.
Well last week (10 days to be precise) I emailed my first ‘analogue’ press release to local reporter’s Les Jackson of the Leek Post & Times and Andy Lees of the Sentinel. I’m happy to report Les and Andy were the ultimate professionals when receiving my little story. Both were helpful, supportive and keen to push my latest art venture along.
However, what’s not seen or cannot be calculated (by those who have read it today) are hours devoted to tapping away on a photoshop app cropping , sharpening, blending, erasing, tilting and distorting, uploading and downloading my chosen 1MB image.
Then there was my achilles heal, formal English! Creating a story, an interesting story in the written form presented my biggest hurdle. The prepping, drafting, spell checking, redrafting and quality controlling of a 250 word press release, (with a story tell with supporting quotes and quality pictures), posed my greatest January challenge. But I knew I had a secret weapon, networking buddy, fellow Foxlowe Hubber and ‘copy’ specialist (amongst other things) Mark Brammar Associates.
The verdict, “Pretty good Gav, but there were too many superlatives.” Noted! I now know what a superlative is. He added, “Let the audience see your work and they can decide how good your work is.” I knew Mark would spruce this little story up and ‘learn me” to temper the salesmanship. Mark’s final spit and polish Lesson redraft meant I was ready to deliver.
But let me go back to approximately 12 months ago. I was tentatively developing my mingling and networking skills with fellow sole traders, business owners and support organisations. The Creative Industry Roadshow, which is a fully funded and supported event by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, showcases the support, mentoring and business development available for creative business of all sizes in the Staffordshire Moorlands area.
Apprehensively, I found my seat near the front. Pen and note book in hand, I was ready to listen and learn about the virtues and tools required to makes a creative business sustainable and successful. The guest speakers, Emily Whitehead – Simply Great Britain, Mark Brammar – Mark Brammar Associates and Phil Edmeades – Journalist and PR Consultant were tasked with sharing their experience and wisdom regarding ‘Branding’, ‘Analogue Marketing’ and ‘Effectively Sharing Your Story and News’.
First up, your first meeting to your first sale, your customer interactions by email or face to face, and why they are all part of you and your brand. I think I was on the right track here. Time will tell.
Next, the importance of ‘Digital and Analogue Marketing’ and getting your news story printed. The advice, get an interview with the local newspaper/magazine. Check! Make radio appearances or two. Check! Don’t forget, word of mouth advertising, they’re all ‘Analogue Marketing’. Check! Well I know I’ve tried to face my fears and, to various degrees of success, do all three.
Finally, ‘What’s my story? This was it. How to prepare a press story, what angles the journalist or editor are looking for, how can your story or news stand out from the crowd.
Well it’s 12 months on, how did I do?
Emerging Stag sold at the Guildhall Gallery, Stafford
BREAKING ART NEWS Guildhall Gallery Directors, Anna Everett & Gilly Davies, are delighted to exhibit three of my portraits this coming February. They will include in their exhibition:
Otto the Otter
Mona Emad
Prickles the Hedgehog
If you want to visit the exhibition you may well want to check their links below.
The Art of Gavin Bowyer 