Mike Bernard RI

Statement

I now paint almost exclusively in mixed media, combining collage, acrylics and pastel. I enjoy the way textures, shapes, colour and ‘happy accidents’ steer the direction of my paintings.

My favourite subjects continue to be harbour scenes, market and street scenes both in Britain and abroad.

Methodology

My initial starting point is to collect on the spot sketches; subjects will vary from harbour coastal scenes to street and market scenes and occasional still lives. I am selective when describing detail, I want to portray only the essence of the subject.

Back in the studio I start my paintings (surfaces can include, paper, board and canvas), with layers of paper collage, newspapers, tissue, leaflets, magazines etc., gluing with acrylic medium.

I create shapes which relate to the abstract structure of the subject. When the glue is dry, I apply acrylic ink in bold, random strokes, which encourages wonderful colour and textural ‘happy accidents’. From this state of chaos I endeavour to define the subject through various drawing techniques, to a finished stage where the subject has recognisable passages, but at the same time retain a semi-abstract, impressionistic feel, engaging the viewers imagination.

Bio

1957 Born in Dover, Kent

1974-75 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, Medway College of Art and Design

1975-78 BA (Hons) Fine Art, West Surrey College of Art and Design

1978-81 MA Painting, Royal Academy Schools, London

1997 Elected as a Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours

1980-99 Teaching post at Farnham Adult Education Institute

1980-1984 Teaching post at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell

1981 Teaching post at West Surrey College of Art and Design

1981 Teaching post at Treloar College, Alton

1981-96 Teaching post at Southampton Institute of Higher Education

1983-2000 Organised and ran private painting courses