Ask Brigitte Bowyer how long she’s been painting, and she’ll tell you that she doodled on her high chair and later was punished in school for drawing in her text books.

The artist was educated in Germany as a graphic designer, “although I really always wanted to be a painter, and study at the famed Sorbonne in Paris.” But the protective father of this only child found Paris in the 60’s too dangerous for his little daughter and told her that she should study something more practical then painting “pictures”. He did later relent, and organized a very successful large solo show for her in her home town.

Art school was a wonderful experience nevertheless; graphic design would always be a passion. The training in this trade has stood her in good stead over the years, as well as helps the artist paint well prepared watercolours.

Brigitte left Germany in 1966 to come to the United States, and lived in Ohio for 13 years. The mother of 2 active young daughters badly needed an outlet for her creative energies then, and began exploring watercolour – and was hooked immediately. She now says that she’d be painting in this elusive medium for another 40 years if she could. Wet-on-wet means the paper is wet, one drop of paint blooms and creates wonderful images all over – this artist likes to live on the edge, and loves to make these happy accidents happen.

Painters such as the great Edgar Whitney, Rex Brandt, Ray Loos and Don Dennis were Brigitte’s teachers. She says one learns as much from fellow students as from any teacher, and as a teacher herself, “one ought to really pay one’s students for the insights learned.” The artist then spent 10 years on Hilton Head Island, painting South Carolina’s mysterious Low Country, before moving to her husband’s native country, The Bahamas. Now she lives and works on a peaceful island in the beautiful Abacos. Her timeless impressions of her adopted country are evidence of her deep appreciation for these island’s transparently turquoise seas and vibrant tropical colours.

Ms. Bowyer’s unusual landscapes, seascapes, and sketches are on display in many banks, hotels and corporate institutions as well as in countless private homes all over the world. Such collectors include, among others, novelist Pat Conroy and Mr. and Mrs. Sean Connery. Brigitte has been commissioned to paint as many as 50 paintings at one time for such clients as hotels and interior designers. She also has won over 70 awards for her work— among them many First and Best of Show prizes.

This artist has conducted watercolour workshops and taught private classes in Europe, The United States and The Bahamas. She believes that the painting of a luminous, rich and successful watercolour should be fun, and does not happen by chance, but is the result of dedication, preparation and practice.