Biography
I was encouraged at an early age by an artistic family that being an artist was a worthwhile endeavor. My dad was an accomplished water color painter and architect that encouraged me in the arts. Family trips consisted of visits to art galleries and museums, along with an occasional stop at Disneyland. While in high school I was granted the Sterling Scholar award for art and although the award was a great accomplishment, I was not sure if pursuing a career in art was what I wanted to do.
Several years later, as I began studying illustration and painting at Brigham Young University, I realized that I loved drawing and painting more than anything else and that I wanted to commit my life to being an artist. Ralph Barksdale along with several other professors had a great impact on my development and I learned to love and appreciate the academic principles that are gained through drawing and painting from life.
Following college, I was priveledged to study with William Whitaker, a nationally renowned Figurative Artist. I learned from Bill that pursuing an art career would be the most challenging thing I could do, but well worth the effort. He inspired me to continue the pursuit and helped me learn much of what was needed to succeed.
Following studies with Bill, I quit my real job as a 3D modeler with an animation studio and I began painting full time selling my work in several galleries. Although I loved painting, the solitary life of just being a painter for 3 years neglected the fact that I loved being around people. With the pursuit of teaching in mind, I decided to pursue a Master's degree in painting with the American University of Washington D.C. A great opportunity presented itself when I found out they had a 2 year residency program in Italy. Italy turned out to be a magical time away from normal life with a focus solely on art.
After completing graduate school I began teaching at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. Teaching has become a rewarding endeavor that I have enjoyed for the past 13 years.
One of the most important things I learned while studying with Ralph and Bill was the idea of painting and drawing from life. When a person approaches the subject matter with honesty, trying to capture what is felt and seen along with adding their own artistic sensibilities to the work, the spirit of art is realized.
Many thanks need to be given to all the artists that have influenced me over the years including my father Paul Bowen who always encouraged me and believed in me. Thanks to Ralph Barksdale, Robert Barrett, Bill Whitaker and countless other artists that have helped me progress in my journey. Most recently I appreciate the support of Huihan Liu and Zhaoming Wu, two artist friends that I have had the opportunity of traveling with in Italy. I am grateful for their insight, encouragement and for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy the art journey along side each of them.
A favorite quote from artist Burton Silverman echoes my feelings,
" I hope to make pictures that are timeless. I love an art which allows me to document my place in this mix and trust the people who love to see it. I love the fact that this art might somehow affect the way people see, and thus open a window on the world."
Education
MFA Painting: American University of Washington D.C. – Italy Residency Program 2000-2002
BFA Illustration: Brigham Young University 1990-1995
Painting Mentorship: William Whitaker 1995-1997
Scottsdale Artist School Workshop: Robert Johnson 1997
Scottsdale Artist School Workshop: David Leffel 1996
Richard Schmid Workshop - Southern Utah University 1994
Professional Experience
Academy of Art University: San Francisco, California - Full time Professor
Brigham Young University: Provo, Utah - Adjunct Professor
Utah Valley University: Orem, Utah - Adjunct Professor
Zygote Media Group: 3D Modeler: Provo, Utah
Viewpoint Data labs: 3D Modeler: Orem, Utah
Professional Teaching Experience
Intermediate Figure Drawing: Academy of Art University
Introduction to Figure Painting: Academy of Art University
Landscape Painting: Academy of Art University
Head Painting: Academy of Art University
Introduction to Figure Drawing: Academy of Art University
Cityscape Painting: Academy of Art University
Clothed Figure Painting: Academy of Art University
Senior Studio 2 Figure Painting: Brigham Young University
Advanced Figure Drawing: Brigham Young University
Illustration 2: Brigham Young University
Drawing 1: Brigham Young University
Drawing Foundations: Utah Valley University
Presentations/Workshops Taught
Kanab, Utah: Business of Art Presenter/ Speaker 2013, 2014, 2015
Corciano, Italy: Diretor of Academy of Art University Study Abroad Program 2006 - 2011
Houston, Texas: Portrait Painting Workshop 2008
Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica: Landscape Painting Workshop 2008
Corciano, Italy: Plein Air Painting Workshop 2003 - 2007
Workshops Hosted
Italy Painting Workshop with Zhaoming Wu 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
Italy Painting Workshop with James Kroner 2015, 2016, 2017
Italy Painting Workshop with Huihan Liu 2014
Italy Painting Workshop with John Poon 2014
Italy Painting Workshop with Koo Schadler 2008
Gallery Representation
Garden Gallery: Half Moon Bay, California 2008 - present
Selby House: Menlo Park, California 2008 - present
Repartee Gallery: Orem, Utah 2011 - present
Fibonacci Main Street Gallery: St. George, Utah 2013 - 2016
D.E. Craghead Gallery: Carmel, California 1998 - 2008
Smith Klein Gallery: Boulder, California 2004 - 2006
Sunset Oaks Gallery: Auburn, California 1997 - 2000
Galerie Gabrie: Pasadena, California 1997 - 1999
Coda Gallery: Park City, Utah 1996 - 1998
Awards / Publications
Merit Award - American Impressionist Society National Exhibition 2017
Merit Award - American Impressionist Society Nation Exhibition Paint out 2017
Merit Award - Midway Utah Plein Air Festival 2017
Merit Award - Spring City Utah Plein Air Festival 2016
Merit Award - Dixie Invitational Exhibition 2014
Southwest Art Magazine featured advertisement 2003
“Artist to Watch” - Southwest Art Magazine 2003
Society of Illustrators – Student Juried Selection 1995
Interests
Spanish and Italian Language
Snow Skiing / Sports
Music / Singing / Piano
Travel