PAINTINGS
In the Gallery you will find a selection of my non railway paintings in
OIL WATERCOLOUR and MIXED MEDIA
Click the thumbnails for large image
STUDIO
Having established myself in Cornwall, I am able to take full advantage and paint from the varied landscape that surrounds me. Living in Constantine, Nr. Falmouth. I am close to the Helford Creeks and the rocky coastline of the Lizard Peninsula.
I lead, teach, and hopefully encourage members of the U3A art group that meets in Helston. I am a member of the Constantine Arts Society, and have visited other art groups, to give demonstrations of Watercolour and Oil painting. Enquiries from local art groups are welcome.
Studio News
A coming event
TRURO ARTS WEEK. Saturday April 14th
Truro Arts shop at 26 River St. Truro.
I will be presenting a Watercolour demonstration In the gallery room at the newly established shop. I will be painting with USA produced Daniel Smith Watercolour range of paints. There is much to be admired about these exciting paints that include Examples of their unique Primatek colours, made with pure, authentic mineral pigments that are mined directly from the earth.
Come and meet me on the day. I will be pleased to answer your questions, there will be plenty of material to whet your appetite.
WORDS
For those of you who know me personally, it may come as a surprise to learn that I am as keen to pursue the art of the written word, as I am painting. I suddenly developed the desire to write poetry as early as the late sixties. Even more surprising, especially for me, was the surprising encouragement, from within, to attempt writing a novel. The book venture has smouldered on for about twelve years and apart from the proof reading and all the other disturbing constraints placed upon all who wish to publish, the project is finished. MORE NEWS OF THE BOOK - LATER.
My new door
The salvage yard has reclaimed doors
bare faced boards for kitchen floors
and stacks of reclaimed brick
from which a man might pick,
I walk the line of chimney pots
and see they're lined with sooty smuts.
But I'm here for a door.
My recycled door fits skin tight;
seizes rainbows with leaded light,
mirror black paint catches the eye
of interested passers by.
But the knocker raps unbidden,
my mystery caller remains hidden.
But I still like the door.
I wait for the after four knock
that rattles the bones of the stopped clock,
and I spring from the easy chair
knowing there'll be no one there.
I've started brewing tea for two;
door, will you send me a clue?
John Cowley July 2011
Distant sea
I've cleared my desk, no phone; I'm out of reach today.
I've nothing to say; my ears somewhere else
And my eye thrills for the glistening sea.
The beach has plucked me from my hermit shell,
Let daily bell-born deeds be somewhere else
And swells only disturb the running sea.
But this vision is clearly out of reach
The distant beach is somewhere else,
Memory quells but not determinedly.
John Cowley April 2011
My soldier father - his homecoming.
It was, no doubt, meant to be a very special moment; enough to leave an indelible mark on my memory. But what did happen? What did happen that was destined to almost erase the memory? Did the moment leave a gentle tug on my sleeve and demand that I should remember?
March, May, December, when was it? I cannot tell you the day, except to say that clothes were soaping in the sink. So probably it was a wash day Monday if the sobriquet holds true - a wash day with Reckets blue, enough to leave my white shirt new.
Mum's red hands, soft with lather, were as unready as I was to greet my returning father. I remember the moment being fraught with uncertainty. It was good; but I didn't know it then.
John Cowley
INFO
About
I never undertook formal art training but spent 25 years as a car-body designer and model-maker. The experience aids me in the precision required for my railway paintings. I am a full member of The Guild Of Railway Artists and have have exhibited at the National Railway Museum York, and Kidderminster Railway Museum.
Contact
If you like my paintings and would like to consider a commission then please MAIL ME