Objects and props, theatrical lighting and the hint of hidden narratives mark an evolution in Michael Alford’s approach to painting the female nude. A new show at Panter and Hall’s Pall Mall gallery showcases his insights into creating scenes that blend the artificial and the natural with dramatic impact.
Michael Alford talks about the painterly choices behind his new collection of musician paintings at the Red Rag Gallery, Bath. He explains his fascination for depicting artists engaged in the act of performance—and reveals his musical crushes, the groups he dreams of painting one day.
Eastbound, Piccadilly: “The human element gives a painting, and a city, its life.”
Michael Alford talks painting technique, his obsession with London and the artistic choices behind his award-winning painting.
Michael Alford discusses the process of planning and making a bespoke dining room mural for a special family home in London.
“Michael Alford is one of that group of painters for whom the sensation of oil under the brush is important. His particular magic is that this joy in the handling of paint remains clearly evident in the finished picture.” David Buckman
“The attraction to painting nudes is that it’s so difficult to get it right. You need correct draughtsmanship, colour, tone. You have to understand anatomy, even though you’re not really painting it.” — Michael Alford