As a focal figure of the "New Glasgow Boys", and one of his generation's leading figurative painters, Howson has derived inspiration from his personal experiences. His paintings have tackled the horrors of modern day atrocities and the depths of the human psyche, with an unflinching gaze.
Howson was appointed the Official British War Artist of the Bosnian War. Hoping to escape the influences that were sapping his creative strength, the artist left the UK for Bosnia in 1992 and started to paint. Alan Jackson's account reveals how Howson came to terms with his talent and developed it in war-torn country.