![John Bowen, “Sketching in the Field,” 12 x 18 in., watercolor, 2013 — My first Plein Air experiences were in South Vietnam in 1968, graphically documenting Airlift Operations as a US Air Force Illustrator. “Sketching in the Field,” a self-portrait, was used on the cover of my award-winning illustrated book “Eleven Months and Nineteen Days.” Watercolor painting of an artist airman painting heavy machinery and aircraft in the field](https://americanwatercolor.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1.-Sketching-in-the-Field-696x418.jpg)
How did you get started and then develop your career?
John Bowen: As far back as I can remember, l wanted to be an artist. My father drew and painted in many mediums, and as I grew l followed in his direction. By the time I graduated high school my mind was set. I knew I wanted to be a Commercial Artist. I was fortunate to land an apprentice artist position in an art service studio shop, right out of school.
I worked there for two years before joining the United States Air Force, from 1961 to 1969, as an illustrator. This included a one-year tour of duty in South Vietnam, graphically documenting Airlift Operations for the Allied Forces in 1968. After separating from the service in 1969, l spent the next 38 years working in Newspaper Advertising Art, retiring in 2008.
Throughout all those years I continued to do what I call “painterly realistic” watercolors, working from sketches and photos to create my paintings. I participated in many outdoor art festivals around the country. I am a signature member of both the Gold Coast and Florida Watercolor Societies, and an associate member of the American Society of Marine Artists.
To see more of John’s work, visit: johnbowenwatercolorist.com
![Watercolor painting of a two-seated bicycle parked out front of a restaurant](https://americanwatercolor.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2.-dinner-for-two-21x28-1-1024x779.jpg)
![Watercolor painting of boats in the water](https://americanwatercolor.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3.-Miss-Ann-1024x698.jpg)
My own Artist Spotlight was a great honor to me. I am very happy to have been included in with these very talented artists! I hope l can continue to be connected with this organization.