Shaun in the City Artist - Paula Bowles

Monday, August 17, 2015
It’s time for another Shaun in the City artist interview, this time we met Paula Bowles who painted the colourful 'A Sheep's Eye View' Shaun. With such intricate detail you really need to get out there and find Paula's creation, it really stands out from the flock!
Please can you introduce yourself and tell us about your work?
I graduated from Falmouth College of Arts in 2005, and now live and work in Bristol, UK. I work primarily in children’s publishing. My first picture book title with Bloomsbury Publishing, London, was published in 2014, called 'Little Lou and the Woolly Mammoth'. In 2013 I was one of 70 artists chosen to paint a giant Gromit, as part of the ‘Gromit Unleashed’ trail. When I'm not drawing and painting, I can be found swing dancing, cycling or tinkling the ivories on the studio piano.
How did you design your Shaun?
I designed my Shaun with pencil on paper using an outline of the 'Shaun shape'. I then drew my design freehand on to the Shaun sculpture, erasing and adjusting parts as I went, sometimes painting over parts I wasn't happy with. It was very much a hands-on painterly approach! My Shaun is inspired by Bristol landmarks, turning it in to a 'toy town'.
Where is your Shaun located?
Outside the Clifton Observatory.
What is your favourite design (aside from yours!)
I really like 'Beach Boy' and 'Woolly Wonderland'!
Where is your favourite Summer spot in Bristol?
Sat on the wall by the harbour outside the Arnolfini
Which neighbourhood do you call home & why do you enjoy about living there?
I moved to Clifton recently and am still getting to know it. But I'm really enjoying being close to the Downs and to Leigh Woods!
Tell us about an upcoming exhibition or a project you are you currently working on? 
I am currently working on new picture book stories, including a book inspired by the 'Bristol giants' myth. I am also taking part in a group exhibition of children's illustrators in Bath, during the 'Bath Kids Literature Festival' during September/October.
Wow Paula thanks! It takes some talent to paint a Shaun so well, it really is a an amazing piece of art! This is not one to miss so look out for ' A Sheep's Eye View' on the Shaun trail!

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