Tower Bridge
Original painting · Details to be confirmed
MY STORY / 02
An escape.
A way back.
A part of
who I am.
“I’ve found me again.”
Long before I thought about selling a painting, art gave me somewhere to go.
I’m Fairn McGowan, a Scottish artist now living in London. Drawing came naturally to me as a child. Growing up involved time in care, moves between family and different homes, and the loss of people I loved. Through the uncertainty, creating gave me something of my own—and something people encouraged me to believe in.
When I joined a foster family, someone very special came into my life: Nanny Elsie. She bought me creative materials, encouraged me to make things and believed in that part of me until she passed away in my early twenties. That belief has stayed with me.
Read the rest of my story ＋
My Aunt Liz held a very special place in my life too. I looked up to her, and in my teens her home was somewhere I could escape to and feel welcome. Alongside her were my cousins, Sheena and Linda—my blood relatives, who have always been there for me.
I’ll admit they spoiled me, and my cousins still do, even now I’m in my fifties. Losing Aunt Liz was heartbreaking. When my marriage ended and my family life changed, Sheena and Linda gave me enormous support. Their kindness has helped keep me grounded through difficult times.
At school in Scotland, my teachers recognised my ability in art and technical drawing. The practical work made sense to me; written theory was harder. My route took me into a CITB decorating apprenticeship in Dumfries, where I began a working life built around practical skills, colour and working with my hands.
There were years when I lost my way and creativity slipped into the background. Seeing my daughter discover art helped bring it back. I wanted to encourage her imagination—and, somewhere along the way, I began finding my own again.
I tried evening classes, experimented and gradually found my own way through practice. I would tuck myself away in my one-bedroom flat, listen to music and create. Once art became part of my life again, I kept going.
Painting live on TikTok opened another door. I met creative people who understood the excitement and the doubt. We shared ideas, encouraged each other and watched paintings develop, brushstroke by brushstroke. I wanted to pass that encouragement on, especially to younger people finding their confidence.
In April 2026, I moved to London. Music had found its way into my paintings, and painting Amy Winehouse somehow led me towards Camden. Strangely enough, it felt like somewhere I belonged. I’ve made great friends here, found my feet and haven’t wanted to leave.
I’d love to make my living through art. I also want people, whatever their age or experience, to feel they can have a go without being afraid of getting it wrong.
Scottish, a little unconventional and still discovering what I can create. I’ve found me again. Let’s see where the next painting takes me.