Rowena was born in Berkshire in 1970. She trained at The Gemini School of Illustration during the period 1990-94, achieving a distinction in recognition of her talent. Working as a professional artist for since 1995, she has secured both private commissions and publishing work including commissions from Yachting Monthly. Rowena moved to Cowes in 1995 to combine painting with a lifetime love of sailing. Soon after arriving she volunteered as a crew member of Cowes Inshore Lifeboat. This experience has enriched her knowledge and understanding of Solent life. Rowena's first public exhibition was at Kendall's Fine Art lin 1996. This was followed by four of her paintings being accepted by the Royal Society of Marine Artists for exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. While maintaining her specialisation in marine subjects, Rowena's artistic interests are varied. She intends to develop the concept of portraiture in a nautical context, thus capturing the emotions of sailors in their natural environment. In October 2000 Rowena won the Charles Pears Award for the best painting by a non-member at the Royal Society of Marine Artists' Mall Galleries Exhibition. Following this she was made a member of the RSMA.