Michael, a Fine Art graduate from Wimbledon College of Art in 2008, has established himself as a prominent artist with exhibitions spanning England, France, and America. Notably, he received the "Young Artist of the Year" award from the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 2009 and 2010, showcasing his work at the Mall Galleries in London. Over the years, he has participated in prestigious competitions, earning recognition such as the Threadneedle Prize and Evolver Prize. Michael's success continued with awards like The Arts Club Charitable Trust Award in 2013 and inclusion in the RSMA annual exhibition in 2014. His artistic journey reached new heights in 2017 with a solo exhibition at The Mall Galleries, London, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Michael's art is deeply rooted in nature and a reevaluation of its painterly tradition. He immerses himself in the outdoor environments he paints, spending weeks at a time with a fishing rod and tent, walking for miles to absorb the essence of the landscape. His approach involves embracing the energy of nature, especially in extreme circumstances like storms. Michael employs techniques such as dripping, pouring, throwing, and shaking, allowing the paint to have its own way without the use of a brush. Through these processes, he aims to capture the power and atmosphere of the natural world, emphasizing the physical and confident application of paint.
Central to Michael's artistic philosophy is the concept of 'Involuntaryism.'
He strives to allow the characteristics of the paint and gravity to guide the creation of the artwork, describing it as a state where the artist puppeteers the paint based on built-up knowledge and past experiences. Involuntaryism, as he defines it, permits the paint's characteristics to produce organic patterns, atmosphere, and substantiation, granting the painting a life of its own. The artist's role is to manipulate the materials, exaggerating the resulting textures and marks, creating a symbiotic relationship between the artist and the medium.
Textures and marks, creating a symbiotic relationship between the artist and the medium.
If you would like to experience Michael's painting in real life he regularly exhibits his work on the South Coast of the UK and in London.
upcoming exhibitions →
