‘Shrewsbury Through The Paintbrush’
A collection of works by Shropshire artist David
Fowles
Celebrating all things Shrewsbury, Shropshire lad David Fowles has spent all of his life calling Shrewsbury home. Whether it’s fishing on the banks of the Severn, or working away at his easel in the Quarry, David finds great joy in our lovely town. Through this curated collection of David’s works, we hope you too will find joy in viewing works of Shrewsbury on canvas.
We are launching an exhibition opening in the gallery on Saturday 1st April from 10am to 4pm - including a delicious brunch from Ottolive Bakehouse and drinks from the famous Callaghan’s Artisan Bar. If you would like to join please RSVP by calling a member of the team at the gallery.
David Fowles (b. 1949)
Fowles was born in Shrewsbury in 1949 and grew up in the area. After leaving school he initially trained as a civil engineer, before going on to teach religion and art. After his time as a teacher he discovered painting was his true passion and retired from teaching to paint full time.
From growing up in Shrewsbury, Fowles believes the River Severn has played a very important role in his childhood. As a young man he adored fishing and spent many days on the banks - a setting that has fast become his great inspiration. He says his true motivation is ‘capturing the views and atmosphere of the countryside’ in his paintings.
With over 35 years of experience painting landscapes, David is still fascinated by the changing light throughout the seasons and the freshness of nature. David finds it most important to paint en plein air, rather than from photographs to capture the true movement of the day. He has taken great inspiraton from great Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet (1840-1926), Alfred Sisley (1839-1899) and Camille Corot (1796-1875).
‘The Boathouse Regatta’ Oil on Canvas - 12” x 15” - Signed
‘From the Long Mynd’ Oil on Canvas - 22” x 32” - Signed
The Long Mynd is approximately 7 miles long and is characterised by steep valleys and al ong slope on the western side. In it’s vicinity are some beautiful Shropshire settlments such as Church Strett, Little Stretton and Myndtown.
Long Mynd is a popular tourist destination, particularly due to it’s many foot paths, varied terrain and impressive scenery and views. It is also a popular space for horse riding and mountainbiking due to it’s open spaces.
‘The Quarry in
Oil on Canvas - 25” x 20” - Signed
‘The Pontoon, Regatta Day’ Oil on Canvas - 20” x 28” - Signed
‘Towards Porthill Bridge, Autumn’ 18” x 26” - Oil on Canvas - Signed
‘Towards Abbey Foregate’ 15” x 20” - Oil on Canvas - Signed
Shrewsbury is a market town and the county town of Shropshire, England, on the River Severn, 150 miles north-west of London. It has had an important historic role in nurturing aspects of UK culture, including being the nursery of English drama, ballet and pantomime. The town centre has a largely unspoilt medieval street plan and over 660 listed buildings, including several examples of timber framing from the 15th and 16th centuries. Shrewsbury Castle, a red sandstone fortification, and Shrewsbury Abbey, founded in 1074 and 1083 respectively by the Norman Earl of Shrewsbury, Roger de Montgomery. At the 2021 census, it had a population of 76,782.
It is a favourite for many painters like Fowles, due to it’s various recognisable landsmarks, such as the Library and the Castle. The 29 acre Quarry Park is also a big draw - here you will often find David painting at his easel. With Shrewsbury town centre being almost entirely encircled by the River Severn the town has 9 bridges across. Another spot you may run into David is below the English Bridge or perhaps working away atop the Kingsland Bridge.
‘The English Bridge from Coleham’ Oil on Canvas -18” x 24” - Signed
‘The English Bridge, from Coleham’ Oil on Canvas - 18” x 24” - Signed
‘The Pontoon, Regatta Day’ Oil on Canvas - 20” x 28” - Signed
‘Pengwern Boathouse Regatta’ Oil on Canvas - 12” x 16” - Signed
‘Porthill Bridge from The Quarry’ Oil on Canvas - 14” x 18” - Signed
