Mike Bagshaw – Worcestershire Open Studios

2 Mike Bagshaw

Painter

Artform: Drawing, Painting

I create expressive portrait paintings that explore both the physical presence and inner life of my subjects. Currently much of my work draws on historical source material, particularly Victorian photography, which I reinterpret in a contemporary style to reconnect past lives with present audiences.
I grew up in Salford, where my interest in art began early. At 12, my art teacher, Stan Derbyshire, nominated me for Saturday classes with Harold Riley, a friend of L.S. Lowry. Riley, who trained at the Slade, had a lasting influence on me. He encouraged close observation and a real appreciation of drawing. We spent hours in Buile Hill Park Museum drawing from the stuffed animals, an invaluable foundation that still informs my work today.
Although I later attended art school in Leicester and Ravensbourne, I moved into a career in psychology, working as a Prison Psychologist and then as a business psychologist and university lecturer for over 30 years. Returning to painting later in life, I’ve found that my background in psychology naturally feeds into my portraiture, deepening my interest in character and expression.
During Worcestershire Open Studios, I’ll be showing a range of acrylic and oil paintings, alongside drawings in pastel and charcoal. I’ll also be demonstrating aspects of my painting process throughout the event and am always happy to talk about my work, influences, and techniques.
I was recently elected an Associate of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and I’m delighted to be taking part in WOS this year.