Collection: Jim Dowie

Jim’s highly personal and recognisable style developed in a fascinating way. He spent some time working as a fingerprint expert in forensics and he was struck by the artistic possibilities of the unique sequences and formations formed by the whorls and ridges. This led him to start exploring non-uniform linear structure which he describes quite simply as ‘the art of line”. Using acrylics he began to experiment with linear abstract patterns, and as he manipulated and worked with the concept of ridges and shadows he found it afforded the perfect basis for expressive portraiture. Over time he has developed the iconic images that he creates today, an intriguing and imaginative blend of loose, colourful abstract with extraordinarily lifelike faces.