Small Wonder Gallery: featuring the art of Carol Sebold, Edward Gordon, Carol Collette, Alan Magee and other local and national artists

John Bowdren grew up in Connecticut and went to the School of Visual Arts in New York City, graduating in 1982. He moved to Maine in 1992. He enjoys wandering along the coast while sketching, painting, and exploring. The contrast and tension along the water's edge are his inspiration; more specifically, he's intrigued by the movement and interaction of water, land, and sky, as well as the interaction between the man-made and the natural. The echo of people's presence is important in his work.

Bowdren believes the quality of the light makes Maine a special place, the long, lingering summer light is particularly interesting, the fusing of colors in the late afternoon, the way the setting sun will light up treetops or pick out boats on the water. The early morning light is different in feel and tone. Each season shows a new face, the clear sharp winter light, the vivid greens of spring, the competition of colors in autumn; each its own challenge of line, color, compostion, and intention.

Bowdren paints in oils, acrylics, and watercolor. He also works with wood. He says an emotional reaction to the subject will suggest the materials to use, and the main thing is always conveying the quality of the light, seeing how color and light can carry that "ah-ha" moment of discovery and emotion to the viewer.

Original Paintings by John Bowdren