In the early 1980's, Howarth became interested in the use of computers in his artistic process. By 1983, he was so well renowned in the field that he was chosen as Canadian Commissioner at the XVII Sao Paolo Biennale and had his works shown along with three other Canadian computer artists.

He has extensive teaching experience across Canada and is now an instructor at the Victoria College of Art. Howarth's work is represented in such collections as the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Glenbow Museum, the University of Victoria, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

For the past ten years or so, Howarth has continued to paint scenes of BC, tondos filled with friends and acquaintances and large scenes of nudes in the landscape.

About this image: This scene was inspired by Victoria's Churchill Pub, described by Howarth as a vibrant watering hole that attracted the city's avant-garde, gay people who were out, young university profs, and a wild assortment of downtown, colourful characters. Drugs and the occasional bit of violence added to the atmosphere. People depicted in this painting include artist Jack Kidder and Sherry Konig.