Mike bagshaw

I believe that authentic art emerges from your core self which is an interaction between your social and physical environment, your background influences and your temperament. I grew up in Salford where at age 12 I was nominated by my school Art teacher Stan Derbyshire to attend a Saturday morning art class for Salford kids run by Harold Riley, a friend of L.S. Lowry. Mr. Riley went to the Slade in the late 50s and was a great influence on me. He taught me to look closely at the subject and to relish the qualities of the drawing medium. We sat in Buille Hill Park Museum in Salford for hours drawing the stuffed animals, which was a great way to learn to draw. Mr Riley would encourage us with little tips and demonstrations. He was always willing to give away his golden nuggets of advice.

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At 18 in 1968 I went to art school in Leicester and then Ravensbourne but didn't feel I fitted the art world at that time.  So, I left early and eventually did a degree in psychology. I worked as a Prison Psychologist, before moving into commerce and becoming a business psychologist.  I spent over 30 years as a practicing Psychologist and then as a University Lecturer before retiring at 68.  Drawing and painting lay dormant but my early passion for art persisted. Maybe being a Psychologist has reinforced my passion for portraiture. Portraiture depicts not only physical but also psychological characteristics in a very direct way. I realise now that art has been a wonderful gift for my wellbeing and life purpose.

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I was elected as an Associate of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists this year          

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