Margie Bowker was born and educated in South Africa. She started drawing from childhood. Margie grew up among the Xhosa, the tribe of Nelson Mandela.  She is fluent in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu.   Her love of these people is shown in her paintings of indigenous people of South Africa.  She went to Teacher's College, where she majored in Fine Art. Since her first solo show in the United States, in 1997, Margie has had numerous successful solo exhibitions. 
Her paintings grace many homes all over the world. 

*Inspiration*

Margie writes about her inspiration.

"My inspiration is LIFE in all its beauty, radiance and in all its forms.  I love to paint people, street people, elegant period women and, especially, the black people of Africa, whom I know and love so well...these drive me to the easel.  Animals, flowers, landscapes, beautiful shapes in glass and pottery, even the humble onion in its loose, papery skin, are things which make my very soul sing. 

I am also inspired by wonderful artworks and I have been fortunate to have been tutored by such great artists as Jean Powell, Richard Rennie, Robert Wareing, Dale Elliott, Craig Nelson and Charles Reid, to mention a few. 

I feel truly blessed to have the ability to draw anything I set my mind to.  For this I am grateful and give thanks to God."

A postscript below.

Margie's  Studio, Santa Maria CA

"In fact, the very thought of paper, canvas, paints and brushes is enough to set my adrenalin afire." 

* Galleries *

 In California USA:

Margie's Gallery,  429 Monterey Road, Santa Maria CA

Gallery Los Olivos
www.gallerylosolivos.com 
2920 Grand Avenue
Los Olivos, CA
Open daily 10 - 5pm

Previously, Margie has shown
in Judith Hale Gallery in Los Olivos,
Visions Gallery, Morro Bay and  David Ryan Gallery, Santa Maria     

* Collections *

In Private Collections in South Africa, U.K. and Europe  as well as in the USA.

* Books* 

Illustrated: From Grandma With Love          Author: Jeanne Barnum

                   Hamilton and Penelope           Author: Jeanne Liwanang 

*Comments *

Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Handlos: "Margie Bowker is an artist of immense talent and insight. Her love of life shows in her work." 

Santa Maria Times, February 2004: "Bowker's versatility has made every media interesting and attractive."

Santa Maria Sun, June, 2000:  "She (Margie) is a devilishly productive, versatile artist. The walls of her studio truly contain a moveable feast: classic floral oils, oil landscapes, watercolors of beach scenes. oils of wonderful women with a touch of the minx about them. She is proficient in a variety of styles and mediums." 

Judith Hale of Judith Hale Gallery in Los Olivos, California. (These comments were made at the time when Margie was in Gallery. The Gallery now specializes in art of the American West.): "Margie's art is livable art.  It's easy on the eye and soul. We sell a lot of (French) ladies. They are whimsical and fun.  We also sell a lot of her luscious florals on oil and in watercolor."