Bath Contemporary

Mike Bernard RI

Mike Bernard’s distinctive style makes him one of the country’s most respected contemporary landscape painters. Born in 1957, he trained at the West Surrey College of Art and Design followed by postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools.

Painting almost exclusively in mixed media, combining collage, acrylics and pastel, Mike initially creates multi-layered ‘textural happy accidents’. From this point he selectively adds details or rejects elements but always leaves the integrity of the view intact, 'retaining a semi-abstract, impressionistic feel, inviting the viewer’s imagination'. His trademark use of bold colour, fine detail and clever deployment of collage combined with a keen eye for perspective sets his work apart and renders it easily recognisable.

Mike was elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in 1997. He exhibits widely across the UK including amongst others, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Mall Galleries. He has a loyal following of collectors and has won many prestigious awards including the Lanseer Prize, British Institute Prize (both Royal Academy) and the Ranelagh Press Award RI.