Rob Bowen
Rob was touched by cancer shortly after making this donation to the Footprints Gallery.

Rob Bowen began drawing at the age of three. He developed an early love of nature and the eastern landscape while growing up in Greenwood, Nova Scotia. From there he moved to British Columbia where he become an illustrator before completing his degree in graphic design from David Thompson University. In 1982, he enrolled in the painting program at Vancouver’s Emily Carr College of Art and Design. While studying there, he participated in numerous exhibitions, notably – “Ideas in Motion” a cross Canada exchange exhibit. Rob graduated in the spring of 1985.

Johnston Lake (Image by Rob Bowen)

In 1987, at the request of a trendy Vancouver bistro, Rob created a new medium – namely chalkboard art. In three years he provided ever changing chalk art for nearly 200 Vancouver restaurants and hotels leading to an ad campaign for Earl’s restaurants and a 3-year, nationwide contract with The Keg. Rob later moved to Banff where he filled his spare time painting landscapes of the Rockies.

In 1997, Rob transferred to The Keg’s head office in Vancouver. Switching from chalk to acrylic on canvas, he now produces large pieces to supplement decor packages in renovating restaurants. He continues to paint landscapes which he exhibits locally through the Leighton Foundation.