This early 20th-century oil painting by British artist Owen Bowen (1873-1967) depicts a breezy impressionistic landscape.
Imbued with an irrepressible spirit, Bowen approached his works with confidence and dexterity. By 19, he’d already opened a flourishing painting school and been shown at the Royal Academy. This despite his father’s wishes.
Here, we see a swiftly-rendered view of cattle sheltering in the shade of windswept trees. The composition is masterful with the distant rolling scenery strongly lit in contrast to the darker foreground. The trees lean, following decades of gusts, and guide us out towards the picturesque horizon. But note the cow, separated from the others - if it faced left, the harmony would break.
Bowen was a rare kind of artist who possessed abundant natural talent and never wavered from his approach or style. He continued to work into his 90s, still blessed with a sense of youthful exuberance.
Signed/dated lower right and held within a splendid frame with ornate corner and centre ornamentation.
Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 22” x 17” / 56cm x 43cm
Year of creation: 1928
Labels & Inscriptions: Artist’s biography on the reverse.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,600
Owen Bowen trained at the Leeds School of Art under William Gilbert Foster. He exhibited extensively including at the Walker Art Gallery, Royal Academy and the The Royal Institute of Oil Painters. He’s represented at various museums including at Leeds, Harrogate, Kirklees and Bradford among others.
Learn more about Owen Bowen ROI RCA in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
