Mike Jackson

I was brought up in Manchester within the warm family surroundings of a working class environment and left school with few qualifications but a great love of art. My parents were keen for me to learn a trade so that ‘I would always have something to fall back on’ and so became a butcher. After a very varied career path, I eventually taught myself computer skills and spent 12 years in the Commercial Art world, all the while increasing in knowledge and experience. In the meantime I was continually developing my illustration skills and learning different medias until I felt the work I was producing was good enough to sell.

After spending some years perfecting my watercolour skills I felt that this was the path for me. And I was lucky enough tio become a quite a successful watercolour artist for many years.

A friend who has a gallery in Somerset suggested that I try out acrylics. This I did, and to my surprise I absolutely loved them.

I have no formal training in art so I have had to learn by my own mistakes, yet I would have it no other way as I feel that this is the best way of developing your own technique.

I am married with two wonderful children and one grandson, who all keep my feet firmly on the ground.