Watercolour Artists Gallery - Bill (Bilbow) Bowen

Looking at Bill (Bilbow) Bowens seascapes it's hard to believe that he is self taught. Yet when a sudden heart attack in 1994 forced him to prematurely retire from work, little did he realize he was about to embark on a new career as an artist.

Bill readily admits that this was certainly the "low point" in his life,and it was only the Morriston Orpheus Choir "family" that kept him focused. Fortunately, an elderly friend, the late Leon Davies, came to the rescue. He presented Bill with a set of watercolour paints, an easel and most important all - a challenge! He encouraged me to experiment, open my eyes and paint what I saw, not what I believed people wanted to see. "Look beyond the obvious, use your imagination" he would preach, well, soon painting become more than just a therapeutic hobby. Leon arranged an exhibition of my work and much to my surprise 30 paintings out of the 48 exhibited were sold. My attic was converted into a studio and so a new career was born.

Watercolour can sometimes be subdued, but there is nothing insipid about Bilbows work, his skies in particular are full of drama. Atmosphere and mood are the most important features of any painting and unless you capture them effectively then the painting will remain soulless. Bill Bowen has proved time and time again to be a certifiable master at this.

Bills paintings can now be found in many parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, USA, South Africa and Europe.