a colonial artist's journey robert hawker dowling, a prominent australian colonial artist, was born in essex, england in 1827. as the youngest son of rev. henry dowling and his wife elizabeth, née darke, he was brought to launceston, tasmania with his parents in 1839. this marked the beginning of his artistic journey. early training and career dowling received lessons from thomas bock and frederick strange, which laid the foundation for his future as a portrait painter. in 1850, he advertised his services as a portrait painter, signaling the start of his professional career. notable works and…