Mike Bernard

Mike Bernard

Mike Bernard was born in Dover in 1957.

The artist trained at the West Surrey College of Art and Design, followed by postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools. Since then he has exhibited at the Royal Festival and many galleries in London and the throughout the United Kingdom. He has received many awards for his paintings, including the Stowells Trophy, the Elizabeth Greenshield Fellowship, Silver Longboat Award and the Laing Award. Mike was elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1997.

Bernard enjoys experimenting with media and techniques, often using mixed media incorporating collage and acrylics. He also paints in oil and water colour. Through his work the artist develops exciting textures and light, combining these into original semiabstract images of varying compositions.

\"What attracts me most is the pattern of buildings, boats and similar features in a scene. I build up a painting by putting in blocks of colour to develop a pattern which is pleasing to my eye in colours which are harmonious, bringing in feelings of spontaneity, freshness and freedom\".