Tim Fowler

Since graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 2007 with a degree in Contemporary Fine Art I have classed myself as an architectural painter. I paint a range of structures that make up cityscapes including, listed buildings, iconic structures, derelict buildings and contemporary architecture. I wonder the streets of various cities taking photos of whatever catches my eye. The photo is the starting point of my painting but not an exact template. 

My paintings are partially recognisable images distorted with strong colour and abstract elements. I try to capture something deeper, as apposed to literal representation. I use combinations of acrylic, enamel, gloss, spray paint, ink, graffiti paints, oil sticks and marker pens. My approach to painting is very energetic and brave. My techniques include using masking tape, stencilling, broken lines, flat colour, palette knife painting, mark making and the hardest technique – making mistakes. I find making mistakes helps me to discover a new sense of direction with a painting, especially if I feel like I’ve hit a dead end with a particular piece. 

In recent years I decided I wanted to try painting something new i.e. not architecture based. I painted two self-portraits taken from photos of me with a facial injury. I was very pleased with the results and they made me realise I am not an ‘architectural painter’ but simply a ‘painter’. I then began to explore my style of painting without the context of buildings. I have then started a series of portraits based on photos of victorian people and people from the 1940’s. Since these paintings I have develpoed a strong interest in silver screen actors and other iconic figures from that era. I enjoy the contrast created between the old fashion style of the charecter and my modern and unique style of painting. Even though this is a totally different subject matter from my previous work, the bold juxtopositioning of colours and mediums keeps very much in the style of ‘Tim Fowler’.