Tim Bowtell and his murals

By Kelly Carmody

Dec 19, 2024

Despite his natural talent for drawing from a young age, Tim Bowtell wasn’t initially guided toward a career in the arts, as it was often viewed as a ‘risky endeavour’.

However, after spending 20 years as a freelance graphic designer in front of a computer constantly surrounded by technology, he was spurred to seek a more creative path away from the digital world.

Following a move to north-east Victoria, and building his own home, Tim came into contact with a local electrician who was also a painter who ran art workshops.

In 2004, Tim attended one of these workshops where he learnt the traditional tonal oil painting method and according to him, something in his brain just opened, and hasn’t been shut again since.

Today, two decades later, he is one of the most recognised large-scale mural artists in our region.

“When I look back now, I realise there’s a part of my brain that feels good when I’m working with my hands,” Tim said.

“I get the same satisfaction whether I’m painting, building, restoring cars, or even sewing. I get into a zone, and the hours pass by like minutes.”

Over the past five years, Tim has been consistently commissioned to paint murals for a wide variety of groups, organisations, and private clients, including individuals like you and me.

His incredible, awe-inspiring, and colourful artwork spans numerous locations, including silos, buildings, caravans, shipping containers, garages and courtyards.

Tim’s works enhance the local landscape and deeply resonate with his clients, the residents of the communities where his work can be found and the tourists that also get to enjoy them.

“Often, it’s while I’m working on a mural, people will come up and ask me if I’m looking for more work, or someone will see it on social media and one job usually turns into two or three,” he said.

“I enjoy working with people to bring their ideas into reality and create something to tell their story.”

Behind many artist’s work, there is often a compelling story, and whether it’s his own or someone else’s, Tim thoroughly enjoys building a narrative into his work.

A beautiful example is his recent mural in the Benalla Street Art festival.

“I had purchased an old, beat-up pedal car and while driving home I was reminiscing about ‘simpler’ times as kids and this spawned a mural idea,” he said.

“I wanted to portray a message of simple fun, ‘the good old days’, so I used the peddle car, my grandchildren, a family member's dog, and my property to represent my idea.

“When the painting was complete, people were remarking the image was ‘pure joy’.”

Pure joy indeed, akin to all his remarkable work spanning both oil paints and the intricate detail he now achieves using spray cans.

Tim’s journey in the artistic world is one that will remain for generations to view for years to come.

And if you want some of that Tim Bowtell magic on your own property, well, it’s as simple as reaching out to him with an idea.

In the meantime, he is living in the moment doing what he loves.

“I find it amazing to watch my own grandchildren sit and draw,” Tim said.

“Seeing how deeply they are immersed in the moment reminds me of myself at their age.

“They have a natural ability, and I certainly won’t be discouraging them from pursuing something in the arts.

“Some projects are a team effort, and whenever possible, I enjoy working with my sons Jake and Sam, who are both creative and now have a good understanding of the mural making process.”

This article originally featured in the inaugural Heart the Art magazine. To read the full feature, head to https://www.sheppnews.com.au/features-and-magazines/heart-the-art/