Let me introduce myself!

I'm Janet Bowler, artist and teacher. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a house filled with art and music - my father's paintings, sculptures and stained glass taking up every available space!

He was a professional artist and teacher and it was my mother who brought the music into my life as she was also a teacher and a pianist. So I suppose it was inevitable that I should follow in their footsteps.

But art won out over the piano for a career for me and in due course I found myself at art college doing my favourite subjects ALL DAY LONG!

Honing my drawing and painting skills, with sculpture and lithography added to the mix, I really thought I was in heaven!

I went on to complete the five years of my full-time study at University gaining my degree in painting and art teaching.

"Honesty and Siam Silk" oil painting by Janet Bowler

Art has continued to be an integral part of my life ever since. And let me tell you, if you're like me and you’ve got the art bug I’m afraid you’re stuck with it for good!

Even if there are times when it doesn't seem possible to draw or paint, you never stop looking and seeing. You're an artist, it's your way of life and you see the world differently. That's just the way it is!

But isn't it brilliant though? How incredibly lucky are we! It can lift us out of the most mundane of situations.

It's a dark, rainy night in the city? Okay, turn up your coat collar then, but oh! will you just look at those colours reflected in the wet street! Right there - a painting is born!

Unexpected inspiration on a Winter's night!

So that image is now tucked safely away in your head in the space reserved for future paintings. Will it be abstract or will it be realistic? You don't know yet but something will manifest even if it's years later.

We never know what might light the fireworks for us when we use our artist's eyes to see!

In recent years it's been fun to help home-school my grand children. In fact, later on today as I write this, I'll be taking an 'artist's walk' with my granddaughter (and friend!).

Me and two students on an 'artist's walk' studying light effects on water.

My work has been exhibited in the Medici Gallery in London and the Barbican Gallery, Plymouth and I've undertaken numerous commissions on various subjects.

Some of the commissions were quite a challenge - for exampIe, I never thought about painting steam trains, but suddenly there I was sketching amongst a mob of engine enthusiasts renovating a vintage engine back to it's full glory.

Well, you know what enthusiasts are like -  they know every screw, every rivet that was ever put in their engine and woe betide you if you count 'em wrong!

All good fun though, and another artistic experience to be added to the repertoire. It never hurts your skill-set to tackle something new, does it!

Recently, I've been experimenting with gold leaf and more imaginative work. Also producing my paintings and my father's work in giclee print and card form.

"Harvest Reflected" oil painting by Janet Bowler

How about you?

I know you’ve got the art bug too, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this!

Maybe you’ve been painting and drawing for years and just need some fresh ideas or a new direction as we all do from time to time.

Or perhaps you’ve got more time in your life right now and want to try something you’ve always meant to have a go at.

Whatever your reasons, I’m really looking forward to sharing ‘art stuff’ with you. One of the joys of life for me is talking art with like-minded people and maybe to pass on some of the things I've learned over the years.

So, a big welcome to you! It's great to have you here - grab a coffee, pull up a chair, let's talk art..!

"Just for You" oOil painting by Janet Bowler

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