Pioneering artist who paints on glass launches MK exhibition

Rowan’s latest collection ‘New Horizons’ expertly captures stunning landscape settings on a ‘canvas’ of glass – the acclaimed artist’s preferred material.

He’ll be appearing at Castle Galleries in thecentre:mk between 1-4pm on Saturday, February 27 to meet guests and explain more about his unusual technique. The exhibition of his work will then run for a further week.

The powerful new body of work captures the beauty of nature: from glowing sunsets, to dramatic bolts of lightning piercing through brooding mist, to bright, luminescent cloud formations reminiscent of the Northern Lights. His scenes are inspired from his travels to diverse places such as the Lake District and Hanoi.

With a technique unique to him, Richard’s delicate work takes shape by painting the foreground first, leaving it to dry for up to a week before the next layer is applied. Different coats of paint are then expertly added with a kit of brushes, homemade tools and craft knives onto the reverse side of the sheets of glass. Tweaking the paint before it dries, the finished result gives a depth and vibrancy that captivates the viewer.

Peter Viet-Lu, Gallery Manager for Milton Keynes’ Castle Galleries – Washington Green Fine Art’s nationwide network of high street outlets – says:

“Landscapes and skies are constantly changing and this gives Richard a constant flow of inspiration for him to explore. This new collection is a ticket to round the world travel, a portal to destinations far and wide, escapism on your wall.”

Speaking of his new collection, Rowan said: “From early in my teenage years a quote has never left my mind… ‘Life’s too short. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you may miss it.’

“I’m looking all the time. I get annoyed when I see a spectacular sky and people around me are doing their day to day routines, missing what is happening above their heads.

“I love being able to capture a moment in time. Painting oil on glass can make you want to tear your hair out, but it’s also satisfying at the same time.

“When I sit down to paint, I want to paint better than the last time; pushing the boundaries of what I can do.”

Richard will be appearing at Castle Galleries, Milton Keynes, 27 Acorn Walk, thecentre:mk, MK9 3AD on Saturday , February 27 between 1-4pm. The exhibition of his works will run for a further week.

Pieces can also be bought from the exhibition or online: www.castlegalleries.com