painter, was born in Geelong on 21 July 1889, only daughter of James Durran, an architect, and Jeannie Dick, a noted concert singer. Although she commenced her career as a concert pianist and continued to teach piano for some years, Durran turned away from this field to pursue her interest in painting. Studying under Helen Peters, a well-known painter and art teacher in Geelong as well as a pianist of some standing, Durran soon achieved moderate success as an artist, winning a number of awards for her drawings and paintings.

In 1911-16 Durran was a student at the National Gallery School, Melbourne, studying drawing under Frederick McCubbin and painting under Bernard Hall. She continued to win awards, including first prizes in the 'Drawing Head from Life’ and 'Painting Still-Life’ student competitions. She participated in painting camps at Malmesbury, and she entered portraits and landscapes in exhibitions such as the 1913 Victorian Artists’ Society Exhibition. Her early success culminated in 1917 when Home from Market gained her second place in the National Gallery of Victoria’s Travelling Scholarshi

After marrying fellow student John Rowell, Eugenie scaled down her activities as an artist, preferring to support her husband’s career, not only providing moral and critical support for his work but by 1935 managing his exhibitions. Together they became increasingly involved in the art activities of the community, e.g. she was a foundation member of the McClelland Gallery, established in 1971. She did not, however, completely cease her own artistic practice but continued to paint and exhibit a wide range of subjects from portraits to landscapes. Many were executed during joint painting expeditions throughout Australia, as well as on an overseas study tour in 1937-38; others were painted while John Rowell was away on other painting excursions.

Prompted by the completion of an unfinished painting by John, who died in 1973, Eugenie’s interest in pursuing an active career as an artist was rekindled. In 1976 she held a major exhibition at the Manyung Gallery, Mount Eliza, which included works spanning several years of her painting life. It was an instant success and she continued to produce works until 1982, when she lost her eyesight as the result of a fall. Eugenie Rowell died at Mornington (Vic.) on 13 June 1989.

Writers:

Filmer, Veronica

Date written:

1995

Last updated:

1992