About Mike Skidmore
Biography
My work is classically based, using glaze and impasto techniques to create compelling shadows and telling lights. I paint portraits and people to commission as well as in my own personal work where a narrative supports the character I want to portray. I work to a range of sizes from 12" x 14" to life-size canvasses of up to 6' high. I also produce still life paintings each with a short story to tell. I also paint still life of a variety of subjects from reflective objects to organic compositions.
My paintings are done from life or photographs (that I take myself). I use two different processes, one with a grisaille underpainting for more even toned works and another using a wipe off method for strong contrast. Here I coat the canvas in a dark oil and wipe out the highlights with a cloth to model the picture before adding flesh tone. I use the same approach with my still life work.
As well as painting I run workshops on classical portraiture and still life, for all levels of experience.
My paintings are done from life or photographs (that I take myself). I use two different processes, one with a grisaille underpainting for more even toned works and another using a wipe off method for strong contrast. Here I coat the canvas in a dark oil and wipe out the highlights with a cloth to model the picture before adding flesh tone. I use the same approach with my still life work.
As well as painting I run workshops on classical portraiture and still life, for all levels of experience.
