Peter Bowen

Southwold Beach Huts

2010-08-09T03:35:00.000-07:00

Southwold Beach Huts, Suffolk by Peter Bowen - 2010

Accepted for showing at the Annual Clevedon Arts Club Exhibition 14-29 August 2010

I have always been fascinated by beach huts - they come in many sizes and shapes but most of all they are sometimes painted in different colours.

The Southwold Beach Huts in Suffolk are no exception and are brightly coloured examples of the beach hut in all of its glory.

The Southwold Beach Huts painting represents many happy hours spent at the beach basking in the warm sunshine and enjoying the shelter that the beach huts offer from the winds.

This beach huts painting is actually 11" x 25", I enjoy painting on a full sheet of heavy watercolour paper and did not forget the washing line!

Southwold Beach Huts for Sale

Bad Break - No Driving

2010-06-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Broken Arm continues to plague me - 3 weeks ago a consultant at the Ortho Pedic clinic said it would need surgery, the physiotherapists have been wonderful trying to get the arm and shoulder working again and the stiff fingers and painful shoulder continues to be painful. Last week I went to see a private consultant (you can onle take so much b........ from the NHS) who says that surgery will only complicate things and that I should continue with the arm brace, but that impedes the use of the armmuscle so I am back to 24hour constant pain!!!

6024 King Edward I West Somerset Railway Spring Gala 2010

2010-03-21T15:08:00.001-07:00

King Edward I is a GWR 6000 Class steam locomotive.

The locomotive was built in June 1930, and was originally housed at Plymouth Laira dept, before being transferred to Old Oak Common, London, in March 1959 and finally to Cardiff Canton depot in 1962.

Withdrawn from BR service in the June of 1962, No. 6024 was sold to Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales with No. 6023 King Edward II, where they languished in the company of 300 other locomotives.

Inspired by preserved class-mate No. 6000 King George V's 1971 breach of British Rail's steam ban, in 1973 the King Preservation Society bought No. 6024 for around £4,000, with the purpose of restoring it to mainline condition. With many components missing, including its double-chimney (currently fitted to No. 6000), and with piston, connecting and eccentric rods and slide-bars cut through, at the time the project had all the appearances of the ultimate "mission impossible". Both Nos. 6023 and 6024 were available for purchase but No. 6024 was preferred, because after a derailment in the Barry yard No. 6023 had had its rear driving wheels torched through and at the time was considered beyond repair.

No Pain No Gain

2010-03-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

First of the month again and I have just returned from a visit to the orthopedic clinic in Weston Super Mare, yes it is still painful and I am in a lot of discomfort but it is showing signs of healing, although it is difficult to see on the latest xray.

But like they say, no pain no gain, at least each day has to be better than the day before, and one small step to recovery.

My left arm and hand is still very swollen, but this too is supposed to be normal, but it is very painful.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

If its Broken Stop Painting

2010-02-21T03:43:00.000-08:00

Yes it is broken and I have found that it is very painful to try and sit at table and try drawing. A slightly reclined position is much better but not easy to attempt any work at this point.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One Armed Artist continued

2010-02-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

A pinch and a punch the first of the month - not that I can do much of that though.

I attended my 2nd orthopedic clinic today and had new xrays taken - I was a bit shocked to see the humerus stll broken and a large gap between the break - but that seems to be normal according to the consultant and the growth of callus formation is starting to show, but I'm still not out of the woods yet as a further two weeks is needed to re assess the situation and then determine if a surgical pin is needed.

I now have a new arm sling 'whoopee' but have to continue sleeping sitting up, and no showers!

I have been thinking about some new paintings but am unable to do any drawing for now, do let me know what you think of my latest paintings in the gallery http://www.peterbowen.net/gallery.htm

One Arm Artist - Update

2010-01-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

Attended first orthopedic clinic today and discovered an iPhone app for posting blogs. Now I can type with one finger!!!

Arm is now in a full brace and still very painful - unable to do much but gathering thoughts for new paintings for 2010.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One Armed Artist

2010-01-09T03:07:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 3 January 2010 I slipped on an icy pavement in Bristol and broke my humerus (upper left arm) and unable to do much for a while. But I am thinking of humerous ideas for paintings and hope to be able to create three new paintings for entry into Spring 2010 art exhibitions.

So please watch this space for developments and http://www.peterbowen.net/contact.php contact me.

See View Caravan Park Painting

2009-10-03T01:19:00.000-07:00

New painting See View Caravan Park is a humorous look at life from the mind of Peter Bowen watercolour artist.

The humorous look of camping on a hillside by the sea is the subject of this new painting by Peter Bowen. First entered into the RWA Friends Annual Art Exhibition in Bristol.

I had this crazy idea for a painting showing rows of caravans precariously arranged in rows while the edge of the cliff continues to erode into the sea at an alarmning rate.

I really was under pressure to get this painting completed in time for entering the exhibition. As with all of my paintings it was fun and very enjoyable - I paint for myself creating wacky scenes and situations and enjoy showing my watercolour paintings. Sometimes I never get an opportunity to hang these on my own walls.

This painting is the second I have painted that is twice as large as I would normally paint, I enjoy painting on a full sheet of heavy watercolour paper and did not forget the washing line!

New Paintings for Clifton Arts Club

2009-07-10T16:39:00.001-07:00

The 101st Annual Open Exhibition of Art at the Clifton Arts Club opens on Saturday 18 July and closes 1 Ugust 2009.

While travelling into Bristol on the Park and Ride bus from Long Ashton, I saw this view up towards Clifton Wood and that was the inspiration for this painting.

I had a clear vision in my mind of what the painting should look like and I wanted to capture only the buildings themselves and not be concerned about the trees above and below the many different coloured houses. I must admit I struggled to get the composition just right while capturing the essence of the structures and balance the many colours together so that there remained a freshness to the scene.

This painting Clifton Wood Bristol is the first I have painted that is twice as large as I would normally paint, I wanted to capture the size and detail that the buildings deserved and did not forget the washing lines!

Peter Bowen paints new pictures for the Clifton Arts Club show including udbi6vcj2p

Peter Bowen Watercolours for 2009

2009-06-10T02:24:00.000-07:00

The 2009 art season is upon us and the season has started well with two new paintings by Peter Bowen being accepted at the Royal Bath and West Show in May 2009.

Light House No. 2 by Peter Bowen Watercolour 2009 £295

Continuing the lighthouse theme and exploring more shapes and architectural styles of lighthouse construction, this light house painting depicts an early attempt at building a lighthouse using wood to form a precarious tower which sways in the wind!

Early lighthouse construction saw many structures made from wood but the relentless seas quickly demolished those searly structures.

The title of this painting is Light House No.2 - presumable No. 1 was demolished by the sea!

This humorous look at the life of a lighthouse keeper shows the perfectly mown green grass lawn and the general clutter around the lovely whitewashed house, the garden shed and the old caravan just add to the fun that I try to put into my paintings.

The washing line is an element that always features in my paintings and adds interest and a human touch to the painting. I hope you enjoy this new light house painting for 2009 as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Light House No. 2 by Peter Bowen was accepted and hung along side Beach Huts No. 2 by Peter Bowen in the art pavillion at the Bath and West Show's annual art show.

While these two new paintings have similar titles to paintings from 2008 they are quite different and both possess the same quirky nature that Peter Bowen's watercolour paintings have become known for and the tradition continues.

Beach Huts No. 2 by Peter Bowen Watercolour 2009 £295

Sudso Clifton by Peter Bowen is a new painting for 2009 and explores the mirrored shape of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Sudso Clifton by Peter Bowen Watercolour £195

Peter Bowen Art Classes 2009

2009-01-04T05:17:00.000-08:00

Discovering Form and Function
A drawing course aimed at showing participants how to look at the form and structure of buildings and architecture in the community and compose interesting compositions. The art class will look at drawing using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour painting techniques.

Creating The Scene
A watercolour painting course aimed at showing participants how to draw with pen and inkto create a line drawing and combining elements to create the picture. The art class will look at drawing using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour painting techniques.

Learn to draw and paint
Creative expression and watercolour painting techniques including the use of broad strokes and abstract variations to create paintings with life and movement.

Peter Bowen Art Classes
Wednesday 7-9pm at the South Horrington Cricket Club, Wells, Somerset

Each 4 week course consists of 8 hours of tuition and some home work. Cost is £40

Draw What You See
4, 11, 18, 25 February 2009
A drawing course aimed at showing participants how to look at the form and structure of buildings and architecture in the community and compose interesting compositions.

Creating The Scene
4, 11, 18, 25 March 2009
Pen and ink line drawing and combining watercolour elements to create the picture.

Learn to draw and paint
1, 8, 15, 22 April 2009
Creative expression and Watercolour techniques will be explored in detail.

WORKSHOP
Getting Ready for the Shows
29 April 2009
Workshop - mounting, frames, entry forms for shows.

Clevedon Art Club Open Exhibition

2008-08-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

Peter Bowen Watercolours are on display at the Clevedon Art Club annual open exhibition 16-30 August 2008.

Sports Line by Peter Bowen Watercolour 2008

Clifton Arts Club 100th Open Exhibition

2008-07-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

The watercolour painting "Skratchen Dent Furniture" by Peter Bowen is awarded Selectors Choice at the Clifton Arts Club 100th Open Exhibition.

From over 540 entries the selection committee chose to hang 320 paintings. "It's very encouraging to see that fine art illustration is accepted and recognised as art in an exhibition like this" said Stan Drew a collector of fine art, "this lovely watercolour painting by Peter Bowen is an example of what talented artist's in the Bristol area are capable of producing and it's good see that the Clifton Arts Club continues to support the artists in this community".

Skratchen Dent Furniture by Peter Bowen wins Selector's Choice award 2008

A careful drawing was first produced that worked out all of the detail components and then this was inked in with a fine tip pen, taking care to draw in items which are behind other items first and then when the whole drawing is inked it is left to dry for several days. Then all of the pencil lines are erased with a soft eraser leaving just the black pen lines showing. The watercolour rendering is then painstakingly painted in layer by layer. The paining in process often taking more than a week to complete has to be carefully undertaken to ensure the right degree of contrast of colours.

Skratchen Dent Furniture by Peter Bowen an original watercolour painting is now in a Private Collection in Bristol, England
Limited edition prints (50 copies) are available framed at £65 each.

Light House by Peter Bowen

Other watercolour paintings by Peter Bowen were also accepted for exhibition and they include the very popular painting Light House - On a recent trip to Weymouth and Chesil Beach we stopped at Potland Bill and the lighthouse there is quite stunning. It was a lovely day with blue sky and fluffy white clouds. After some initial sketches this idea emerged and reveals my interpretation of the lighthouse at Portland. The title is Light House and is the contrast between the Light on the tower and the House where people live. The washing line is a typical element of my paintings and adds interest and a human touch to the painting.

Light House by Peter Bowen an original watercolour painting is now in a Private Collection in Bristol, England
Limited edition prints (50 copies) are available framed at £65 each.

Beach Huts by Peter Bowen

I have always had a fascination for the sea and can remember early childhood memories of Clacton on Sea where my Grandmother had a guest house on Beach Road. When I visit the seaside I am always fascinated by the various styles and colours of beach huts, they always seem to be locked up and yet there are numerous signs that there are people about... but where are they? Maybe they've gone for lunch...

Beach Huts original watercolour painting is currently for sale at £195
Limited edition prints (50 copies) are available framed at £65 each.

Calendar of Shows 2008

2008-05-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

Greenpark Station, Bath, Somerset
- Bath Open Art Fair 20 May - 1 June 2008

The Royal Bath and West of England Show, Somerset
- Art Exhibition 28 - 31 May 2008

Bath Society of Artists, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, Somerset
- 103rd Art Exhibition 14 June - 19 July 2008

Clifton Arts Club, Bristol
- 100th Open Exhibition 19 July - 2 August 2008

Clevedon Art Club, Clevedon
- 52nd Open Exhibition 16 - 30 August 2008

Royal West of England Academy, Bristol
- 156th Autumn Exhibition 26 October - 14 December 2008

Exhibitions 2008 Accepted Work

Royal Bath and West Show Art Exhibition 2008
28 - 31 May 2008
Sports Line - Watercolour 2008 Accepted

Royal Bath and West Show Art Exhibition 2008
28 - 31 May 2008
Beach Huts - Watercolour 2008 Accepted

Light House by Peter Bowen

2008-05-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to Weymouth and Chesil Beach we stopped at Potland Bill and the lighthouse there is quite stunning. It was a lovely day with blue sky and fluffy white clouds. After some initial sketches this idea emerged and reveals my interpretation of the lighthouse at Portland. The title is Light House and is the contrast between the Light on the tower and the House where people live. The washing line is a typical element of my paintings and adds interest and a human touch to the painting. This is a new watercolour painting by Peter Bowen and has been very popular at shows. The original painting has been sold but there is a limited edition of 50 prints available at http://www.peterbowen.net/ at £65 each.

Light House - by Peter Bowen Watercolour 2008

Discover Nature's Design, Form and Function

2007-08-02T01:47:00.000-07:00

Looking at nature is a wonderful experience. Just take a walk in any country garden and you will discover some amazing designs and complex patterns that mother nature has created.

Resently we visited Waterperry Gardens - eight acres of landscaped ornamental gardens, that are guaranteed to delight and inspire garden-lovers and artists from across the country and the world.

Founded more than seventy years ago as a School of Horticulture for Ladies, the gardens at Waterperry have evolved into a stunning oasis of calm and beauty in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside.

It's not until you stop to smell the roses that you realize how complex the very nature of flowering plants are, and how wonderous they can be with their own unique methods of attracting insects (and us) to them.

Nature can accomplish feats that engineers have only been able to dream of until now. But as scientists peer deeper into the cellular and molecular workings of nature, engineers are starting to find information they can apply to everything from advanced optics to robotics—even a mussel-inspired glue that could one day be used to repair shattered bones. The result is a new field called biomimicry, or biologically inspired design. And though nature's innovations often need radical adaptation to suit human purposes, the new approach has the potential to improve the way we do everything, from desalinating water to streamlining cars.

In fact, nature turns out to be an enormous wellspring of ideas. Jewel beetles, which lay their eggs in freshly burned trees, can detect fires from miles away; the defense industry is studying the beetles for clues to designing new low-cost, military-grade infrared detectors. Meanwhile, Volvo is tapping locusts' famed ability to fly in dense swarms without colliding for a possible key to anti-collision devices in cars. NASA-supported researchers at Princeton are analyzing the remarkable strength of abalone shells to help make impact-resistant coatings for thermal tiles.

Even everyday devices may benefit from nature-inspired improvements.

Peter Bowen discovers the Antrim Coast

2007-08-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

The Antrim Coast — Northern Ireland

This is one of the most interesting and scenic coastlines in the United Kingdom. There is lots to see and do including castle ruins, tour the world's oldest whiskey distillery, discover small harbours, and hike along the famous Giant's Causeway (a World Heritage Site).

Dunluce Castle
These romantic ruins, perched dramatically on the edge of a rocky headland, are testimony to this region's turbulent past. During the Middle Ages, the castle resisted several sieges.

On a stormy night in 1639, dinner was interrupted as half of the kitchen fell into the sea, taking the servants with it. That was the last straw for the lady of the castle. The countess of Antrim packed up and moved inland, and the castle "began its slow submission to the forces of nature."

While it's one of the largest castles in Northern Ireland and is beautifully situated, only ruined walls are left standing today but well worth a visit.

The 16th-century expansion of the castle was financed by the salvaging of a shipwreck. In 1588 the Spanish Armada's Girona sank on her way home after an aborted mission against England, laden with sailors and the valuables of three abandoned sister ships. More than 1,300 drowned, and only five washed ashore. (The shipwreck was excavated in 1967, and a bounty of golden odds and silver ends wound up in Belfast's Ulster Museum.)

Old Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills is the world's oldest distillery. Though King James I (of Bible fame) only granted its license to distill "Aqua Vitae" in 1608, whiskey has been made here since the 13th century. Distillery tours waft you through the process, making it clear that Irish whiskey is triple distilled — and therefore smoother than Scotch whisky (distilled merely twice and minus the "e"). The finale, of course, is the tasting in the 1608 Bar — the former malt barn.

Giant's Causeway
This four-mile-long stretch of coastline is famous for its bizarre basalt columns. The shore is covered with hexagonal pillars that stick up at various heights. It's as if the earth were offering God his choice of 37,000 six-sided cigarettes.

Geologists claim the Giant's Causeway was formed by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. As the lava surface cooled, it contracted and cracked into hexagonal shapes. As the layer of hardened but alligatored rock settled, it broke into its many stair steps.

Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy is situated in one of the most picturesque parts of North Antrim between the Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, it looks out across the sound to Rathlin Island and beyond to Scotland. As you come over the Knocksoghey Brae from Ballycastle or in from Whitepark Bay and Bushmills you are greeted by spectacular views, each one characterized by the beautiful white form of Ballintoy Church.

During the late nineteenth century Ballintoy harbour was extensively used for the shipping of sett stones, a small rail track existed for moving the piles of sett stones and limestone to the quayside. At Brockie Quarry near Larry Bane over one hundred men were employed chipping and shaping sett stones that went to pave the streets of cities such as Dublin, Cork, Wexford, Limerick and Glasgow. The well built lime kiln stands as a testament to the harbour's industrial past, burnt lime would have been drawn away by horse and cart to help build the numerous stone cottage and rural halls in the district.

Ballintoy is still a working harbour for local fishermen who continue a tradition that goes back to when man first arrived, it naturally produces good boatmen due to the dangerous waters which they and their father's have come to understand, respect and work upon. The large boat cave to the right of the car park would have been used to repair, lay over and build boats inside. Though the scores of basalt islands act to shelter the harbour from prevailing storms, it can still on occasions get battered.

The area of rocks nearer White Park Bay and overlooked by Dundriff is known locally as the Park End, this spot can pick up some of the biggest swell waves along the north coast. The harbour mouth looks out to Sheep Island and Rathlin. In October, 1906 the 'City of Bristol' a steam powered Fleetwood trawler homebound from Iceland ran aground on the reef that runs between Larry Bane and Sheep Island - there was thick fog at the time and the Captain mistook Sheep Island for Bull Point on Rathlin.

West Somerset Railway

2007-07-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yeovilton Air Day 07-07-07

2007-07-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

Peter Bowen discovers the Lake District

2007-06-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a rural area in northwest England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes and its mountains (or fells), and also its associations with poets and artists.

The central and most-visited part of the area is contained in the Lake District National Park - one of fourteen national parks in the United Kingdom. It lies entirely within Cumbria and is one of England's few mountainous regions. All the land in England higher than three thousand feet above sea level lies within the National Park.

New Watercolour Paintings by Peter Bowen

2007-01-16T04:09:00.000-08:00

Peter Bowen watercolour artist

North Curry Cricket Club by Peter Bowen

Cricket has been played off and on in North Curry for well over a century on different fields around the Parish. However it is the Bird In Hand public house that is the spiritual home of North Curry cricket. The present team has been playing together since 1994 when they rolled out a bumpy square on the village Playing Fields and entertained such clubs as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra C.C. and a rather bemused Kent League team from Eridge.

A conflict of interests at the Playing Fields with the village football club led to the team upping stumps to Taunton in 1996, but North Curry C. C. are ambitious and motivated and became a Somerset League Club in 2000 gaining promotion to Division 5 in 2003. The club excels at indoor cricket winning 3 league titles in the Somerset County Cricket Club’s indoor leagues and singing, always being in great voice when Somerset are at a Lords final. One day soon the club will return to North Curry to play cricket rather than to just have a few pints in the “Bird”

Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club by Peter Bowen

The Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club is one of the leading clubs in the Kent Cricket League being a founder member. The Club celebrated its bicentenary in 1982 and has hosted Kent County Cricket Club for a Cricket Week since 1901. The Nevill has also staged international matches - most notably the 1983 World Cup fixture between India and Zimbabwe (‘Kapil Dev's match’).

A number of players with first class or international experience have represented the club in the Kent Cricket League: amongst them Bob Woolmer, Alan Brown, Peter Hearn, Mike Willard and more recently Rajesh Sharma and Julian Thompson. Many KCL and KCB representative players have been selected from the membership.

Widely acknowledged as one of the most picturesque grounds in the country, the Nevill is a marvellous place to play cricket. We have a comfortable pavilion with a well stocked bar, so even if you are a non-playing member you can just pop in and take in some cricket while relaxing over a cool drink.

Kew Cricket Club by Peter Bowen

The Kew Cricket Club was formed in 1882 following the amalgamation of two local clubs, Kew Oxford and Kew Cambridge. However cricket had been played on the green for many years prior to 1882. Evidence supporting this is contained in a report printed in The London Post dated July 16th 1737, which refers to a match between a Prince of Wales XI and The Duke of Marlborough XI.

Over 100 years Kew Cricket Club has seen some good seasons and bad. In the period from 1919-22 the club produced its best ever results in terms of percentage of games won. The best years in terms of number of victories came much later in 1959(21) and 1969(22) when of course, a greater number of games were played.

In 1962 the then head of light entertainment for the BBC Tom Sloan offered to put on a show to help raise money for a pavilion. This led to Tom being instrumental in raising celebrity sides to play in the clubs annual charity matches and did so until his untimely death.

ART Classes for 2007

2007-01-15T04:37:00.000-08:00

Discover Form and Function
- Basic Drawing of Shapes within Structures

Creating The Scene
- Pen and Ink with Watercolour Washes

Letting Yourself Go
- Creative Watercolour Techniques

Peter Bowen discovers the Welsh Highland Railway

2007-01-13T03:07:00.000-08:00

The Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon)

The journey begins behind the most powerful 2' (two foot) gauge steam locomotives in the world through the fabulous scenery of the Snowdonia National Park.

The railway runs from alongside the awe-inspiring Caernarfon Castle, snaking around seemingly impossible bends, up hard gradients and around the foothills of Snowdon to arrive at Rhyd Ddu, about 12 miles from Caernarfon and high up in the Snowdonian mountains. The railway links to some tremendous walks too, not least the Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu paths up Snowdon or the Nantlle Ridge or Mynydd Mawr walks from Rhyd Ddu. There are excellent real-ale pubs at Waunfawr and Rhyd Ddu, and the Lôn Eifon cycleway runs alongside the railway from Caernarfon to Dinas.

Rhyd Ddu is only the half-way point of this phenomenal railway project. Work has already started to complete the railway through to Porthmadog via Beddgelert and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass. At Porthmadog, the Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) will connect with the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway, offering onwards travel to Minffordd (for Portmeirion), Tan-y-Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog. In total, a trip from Caernarfon to Blaenau will be a staggering 40 miles – truly a new 'Great Railway Journey'.

The WHR is, probably… the most exciting railway project in the world - providing ‘access for all’ to some of the best scenery in the United Kingdom – it’s quite simply a must-see!

Country Wash

2007-01-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Driving through the Somerset countryside one day, this scene was spotted, a collection of farm buildings quite grey and drab in colour and the white clean wash hanging out to dry. Washing lines full of clothes drying in the wind feature strongly in many of the artist’s works and provide an almost endless source of imaginative works.

New Painting

2007-01-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Tetbury, Gloucestershire is a haven for antiques enthusiasts. With over 30 antique shops, the town centre has earned an international reputation. At the centre of the town is the famous Great Market House, which was built in 1665 and features an impressive illuminated clock installed in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The dolphins, which have become Tetbury's emblem adorn the weather vane.

This limited edition print is one of only 250 prints worldwide.