However, he attended and supported the life and portrait classes at the Ulster Arts Club for many years and had solo shows there at Elmwood Avenue in 1977, 1978 and 1991. He was chairman of the Arts Club 1993-1995. Over the past ten years or so his images have become focused on Belfast scenes where he grew up and now lives.

At the 1993 Exhibition of the Royal Ulster Academy he won Ross's Watercolour Award. He has exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin for example "A Greyhound At Fortwilliam Terence" in 1984 and "Dachshund Walking" in 1995. Both oil paintings Dowling illustrated book covers for "The Rattle of the North" by Patricia Craig and "Hillman Street High Roller" by Sam McAughtry.

The Cavehill Gallery has hosted exhibitions in 1995 and 1998. After having worked as a bank official for 23 years, Dan retired in 1998 to paint full-time. The magical quality of Dowling's work is well illustrated in his oils and watercolours. His wonderful perspective, draughtsmanship, attention to detail and movement are wonderfully expressed in his work.

He has his own totally individual, distinctive style and the constant quality of his works must surely reflect his ongoing popularity. Riverview Art Gallery considers it a privilege and honour to be associated with Dan Dowling and have had much pleasure in exhibiting his paintings. It is hoped to hold an exhibition of Dan Dowling's work in Enniskillen in Spring 2000.