Mike Bernard RI 2012

12th - 28th September 2012

NEW e-catalogue available of the show

Born in Dover, Kent in 1957, Mike Bernard trained at the West Surrey College of Art and Design, Franham. Post graduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools followed, since when he has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the Mall Galleries, the Royal Festival Hall and many leading private galleries in London and the provinces.

Mike enjoys experimenting with different artistic materials and techniques, often using mixed media incorporating collage and acrylics with oils and watercolours. Through these experiments with texture and colour in his paintings, he develops exciting semi-abstract themes; each painting exploring the natural designs and patterns that his trademark sunlit sea, street and landscapes present to him.

Throughout his long career Mike has collected numerous awards and prizes for his work, notably the Stowells Trophy, the Elizabeth Greenshield Fellowship, the Silver Longboat Award and the Laing Award. Mike was elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in 1997 and has since been awarded both the Kingsmead Gallery Award and the Stewart De Fries award at the Mall Galleries. He won the Lincoln Joyce Gallery Award in 2007.

Mike lives and works in North Devon.