Artist’s ‘back to front’ paintings inspired by film music

Richard Rowan, who paints his landscapes ‘back to front’ on glass, is exhibiting images at Castle Galleries and demonstrating his unusual technigue at the gallery tomorrow.

Music from the film The Kingdom inspired his pieces Finale and Friendship, he painted Earth while listening to the Gladiator soundtrack, while Still was inspired by the music score in Black Hawk Down and he created The Island Awaits to the sound of music from The Island.

Often dramatic and mystical, Richard’s work tends to be dominated by the spectacular skies of the the day’s new dawn or a closing sunset.

His technique requires him to start with the foreground on the reverse side of the glass, before painting in layers until he reaches the background.

Richard also works in oil paints, which take a long time to dry, so often returns to his painting five or six times over many weeks.

He said: “My paintings are full of drama. No matter what point I have reached in the painting, I need to feel the same inspiration from start to finish.

“I have a great love of films and the powerful and haunting film soundtracks created the perfect backdrop and mood for my paintings.

“The inspiring film scores played such an integral part in creating each of these vivid and dramatic paintings and I hope the public will enjoy them.”

People can meet Richard and watch him at work at the gallery in Regent Street tomorrow from noon to 3pm. To find out more call 335822 or go online.