The sketch is titled Mr. Ness after a teacher that he drew at age 12, while in class in 1970.

The sketch was just one of the 80 pieces that was auctioned off at the sale that took place yesterday by McTear’s auctioneers.

A representative from McTear’s, Magda Ketterer, stated that they always knew that the early sketch would draw an immense amount of attention, which is why it was not surprising that it sold for such a great price.

Ketterer also stated that the simple sketch shows the ability and insight of the renowned artist even from a young age.

Howson was born in London, and after moving to Ayrshire in his youth, later studied at the Glasgow School of Art.

In the 1990s he was declared the ‘war artist’ of the Bosnia conflict by the Imperial War Museum.  Most of his work contains themes of down and out subjects with biblical overtures.

The highest priced painting by Howson entitled Three Faces of Eve sold in 2008 for £300,500.

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Originally he was commissioned to build a centrepiece for the Glasgow St. Andrew’s Cathedral as part of its new renovation once it opens next year by Archbishop Mario Conti, but he pulled out after he found out that he would not be paid for the work.

The church called the proposed artwork one of the most important commissions since the Reformation for a Scottish Catholic church, with an estimate of about 600 individual figures showcasing the martyrdom of St. John Ogilvie at the size of 24ft x 18ft. It would have the largest scene of its type in Scotland.

Archbishop Conti stated at the time of the commission that the opportunity to have Howson paint the memorial was due to his spirituality and artistic talent.

However, Howson told friends that he will not be completing the painting due to the fact that he is ill and drawing is difficult for him let alone painting. His friends stated that with his current problems, not to mention a police probe that was launched of his former manager, he will not be able to complete the painting for the cathedral.

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