Portrait of Sheri, c.1970, University of Victoria Acquisition Fund.

Glenn Howarth took inspiration from mundane subjects and infused them with impressionistic qualities and eidetic undertones. Eidetic is a term used by the artist for the spectres and phantoms that arise subliminally, seem so real, and spawn meaning. He sought to produce unexpected reactions from the viewers by provoking thought from ordinary images. The artist himself was often surprised by the materialization of his own subliminal thoughts on a work in process. He remarked that visions he was unaware surfaced in his work and appeared before him. Howarth was highly influenced by the work of Francis Bacon, as is demonstrated by his exploration of the dark psychology of his sitters, the mundane world, and sensuality.