Michael Lawes

Michael Lawes was born in 1948 and studied at Birmingham College of Art and Design 1964/68. He is a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and the Birmingham Pastel Society.

Michael's subject is the city at night. He likes the profusion of architectural styles, the bright lights of cafes, shops, theatres, hotels, illuminated signs and advertisements. A place alive with people and traffic. Colour, reflections and the effects of artificial light are his principal themes. He particularly likes the stunning effects of light reflecting on water and wet surfaces and the striking contrasts of flood and neon lighting. His technique of combining pastel with gouache on a rough surface watercolour paper gives his work a vibrancy and glow unique in contemporary painting.

Subjects for his paintings are inspired by frequent trips to the capitals of Europe where he sketches and photographs to gather information and capture the atmosphere.

Michael's work has appeared in numerous magazine articles and books. ITV Central News have made a short film of his paintings of Birmingham. He has also recently completed a large commission for Hall Green Health Centre. His work is represented by a number of galleries and national art societies in the Midlands, London and the south of England. He has received many awards including: 1st prize Daler Rowney RBSA, Tollit and Harvey prize RBSA and Frank Herring Pastel Society.

His distinctive work has transformed the familiar everyday view of our cities into exciting dramatic effects of light with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colour.

Michael also has a series of limited edition prints published by Solomon & Whitehead.