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David Michael Bowers: Humanity Unveiled

February 22 - May 24, 2009

 

Wall text from the exhibition

Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, David Bowers graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1979 and began working as a staff artist at various studios in the city. Two years later, he began teaching at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where he lectured for ten years. In 1991, David began his illustration career working with book publishers in New York City for whom he completed over one hundred covers in a span of over ten years, including the cover of Time magazine in 2002. In 2004, Bowers gave up his successful illustration career to pursue a career in fine art. Now, instead of creating paintings based on a publisher's copy, he has the freedom to create his paintings solely from his imagination.

His realistic paintings have been described as a blend of Renaissance master and figural surrealist, with a touch of fantasy mixed in. Upon first glance Bowers' work seems to take you back to periods of painting long gone, while at the same time, the artist incorporates modern themes and ideas. There is always a message in his work and symbolism is a main ingredient. For him the idea is the most challenging and rewarding part of the painting. According to the artist:

I'm so indebted to the paintings of the great Old Masters of the past. The inspiration that I receive from viewing their work, makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I have to admit that very few modern artists give me that kind of sensation. It has been out of vogue for quite some time in the art world for a painting to be beautifully drawn, composed and painted. So, I guess that makes me a rebel and every other artist out there working hard trying to achieve the beauty and grace of the Old Masters. I will spend the rest of my life in pursuit of those lofty ideals set forth by the great ones of the past. Making my paintings and striving for perfection in them, is what motivates me the most. My next painting will always be my best. At least that is what I hope to achieve.

Bowers' paintings are included in many private collections throughout the United States and Europe as well as the Museum of American Illustration in New York and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. Solo exhibitions of David's work have been shown at Klaudia Marr Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Halcyon Gallery, London; Galerie 224, Laguna Beach, CA; and the James Gallery, Pittsburgh. His work has been published in International Artist Magazine (cover); Fantasy Art, China; and New Art International. The book, David Michael Bowers, The Evolution of an Artist, by Robert J. Trombetta was published in 2007. Bowers currently lives in the Pittsburgh area with his wife Kimberlie, where he paints very slowly and methodically day in and day out.

 

(above: David Bowers, Paulina's Dream, 2008, Oil on masonite. Private Collection)

 

(above: David Bowers, Suburban Taboo, 2007, Oil on linen. Collection: Dr. and Mrs. Erik Mertens)

 

(above: David Bowers, The Cock Thief, 2008, Oil on linen. Private Collection)

 

Checklist from the exhibition

1. Quest for Immortality, 2006
Oil on masonite
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Trombetta
 
2. The Deadliest Predator, 2004-05
Oil on masonite
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Trombetta
 
3. The Cock Thief, 2008
Oil on linen
Private Collection
 
4. State of the Nation, 2006
Oil on wood
Private Collection
 
5. Innocence Lost, 2001
Oil on masonite
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Trombetta
 
6. The Brides, 2001
Oil on linen
Collection: Dr. and Mrs. Richard Magallon
 
7. Daddy's Little Princess, 2006
Oil on linen
Collection: Artifacts, Pittsburgh, PA
 
8. Suburban Taboo, 2007
Oil on linen
Collection: Dr. and Mrs. Erik Mertens
 
9. Magic Silken Snare, 2002
Oil on masonite
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Trombetta
 
10. The Renaissance Mind, 1991
Oil on paper board
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Trombetta
 
11.Paulina's Dream, 2008
Oil on masonite
Private Collection
 
12. The Pig Walker, 2006
Oil on panel
Collection: Artifacts, Pittsburgh, PA
 
13. The Miser, 2005
Oil on linen
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Frederick T. Boni
 
14. Portrait of Diane, 2007
Oil on linen
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Unkovic
 
15. Saint Francis, 2007
Oil on masonite
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Eakins
 
16. The Sacrifice, 2006
Oil on linen
Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Scot C. Tubbs

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