Helen Dowse explores passion for animals in Chichester exhibition

Helen Dowse offers Animal Passion, a new exhibition at Chichester’s Oxmarket running from November 3-8
Work by Helen DowseWork by Helen Dowse
Work by Helen Dowse

Locks Heath-based Helen explains: “The exhibition is a collection of more than 30 pieces of work inspired by wild and domestic animals and birds in acrylic ink celebrating 30 years of art.

“The exhibition has been several years in the making and will showcase a variety of paintings reflecting my passion for animals and art. One of the most enjoyable subjects to paint was A Quiet Space (jaguar). The whole piece became a jigsaw puzzle of small painted areas gradually increasing to become the whole.

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“I particularly enjoy capturing the dramatic light of chiaroscuro painting, using the strong contrasts between light and dark. This is shown in both Out Of The Shadows and Cat’s Eye. While most of the paintings in the exhibition are animal related, I have also included several non-animal pieces. Sometimes I see a subject and instinctively feel I need to capture it on paper. For example, visiting Honfleur in France I was captivated by the beauty of the carved carousel horses in the funfair.

“The stand-out piece for me is the large painting of my son Paul, who sadly passed away aged 26 in 2019. This painting was my first work after Paul died.

“Unable to paint for many months, my urge to paint his portrait gently nudged me back into my studio and became a cathartic way to help me through my grief.

“But this is not a sad exhibition. I hope my love of art and wildlife in all its shapes and sizes shines through. My desire is that visitors will gain as much pleasure viewing the work as I had painting them. If it encourages just one person to pick up a brush and have a go it will have been a success.”

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Helen added: “I live with my husband Martin, also an artist and my daughter Hayley, a freelance designer on the south coast close to the River Hamble. It is an area that provides much inspiration for my paintings.

“My love of animals began at a young age inspired by my late father who was an accomplished amateur wood carver specialising in animals. I would accompany him around the country visiting zoos and wildlife parks to source photographs for his work.

“Constantly drawing and painting when I was I child, I later attained a BA hons degree from Middlesex University in graphic design. I embarked on a career as a freelance designer and illustrator.

“In between jobs I began painting animals and birds and before long this became my career. My art has been widely exhibited. The highlight of my career was when my painting Resplendant Stare (tiger) was shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition at the Mall Galleries London in 2016.

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“In 2019 my painting Feeling Peckish (duck) was shortlisted for the Artist and Illustrators Artist of the Year, also displayed in the Mall Galleries.

“I am also a member of the Society of Feline Artists and have exhibited with the Society of Fine Graphic Artists at the Menier Gallery in London as well as numerous national and local exhibitions. My work is held in private collections in the UK, Norway, America and Australia.

“I have tutored extensively over the last 26 years, through weekly art classes, demonstrations and workshops.”

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