I am a Tasmanian based painter working with acrylic and oil.
Originating from the north of England, where fortunately the desire to wander brought me to Australia some 30+ years ago. In my early years I explored a wide array of creative avenues and then, as happens, other challenges came around. Suddenly I realised 40 plus years had rushed past, albeit a wonderful journey to far-flung places and hidden corners of the planet.
Then in 2019 and by chance, I found myself a student of art tutor and now mentor, Sarah Weaver and began attending the fabulous “Jackson” Studio in Hobart.
I have always been drawn to want to draw and paint mountains. Having spent a large part of my life wandering through the great ranges of the world. My art is strongly influenced by journeys in and around wild places, icy slopes on frozen continents, constantly moving desert sand, rugged landscapes and my more recently, travels around the ocean battered coastline of Tasmania and the Bass Straight Islands in a little 30 year old timber sailboat.
However I am enjoying widening my perspective on a variety of new subjects.
I choose subjects that inspire me at the time and am not led by what others may want to see. I use tools and mediums in a way that feels comfortable to create my own style of art. This approach allows for self expression rather than emulating the style or technique of others.
I enjoy the challenge of portraying something that has meaning to me in a way that may bring others to look at what I see in our world. Where I have sold work, I am delighted that somebody has chosen something that I have created to treasure and hang in their home or workplace.
A big thank you for looking at my work.
Mike.