Michael Demain
Michael Demain started painting in 1992 after a chance meeting with Steven Townsend a professional artist well known for his dog paintings. Encouraged and greatly inspired by Steve he set off on the long and uncertain road to becoming a self taught wildlife artist. Although Steve never taught Michael he was always there to offer sound advice and constructive criticism, this coupled with the support of his wife Michelle was a sound base to start from.
He has a great love of wildlife and especially birds so it was only natural that this would be his chosen subject and armed with an in-depth knowledge gained over many years he was able to put together believable compositions gleaned from personal experience. He is quick to point out that unlike many artists he is not in love with painting and doubts he would paint for a living if he didn’t paint wildlife; sometimes every brush stroke of an entire day is a battle for him, and so as an artist he is not prolific and works no more than five hours a day, any longer than this and he starts to suffer from eye strain and since breaking his back in 2007, back ache.
Michael is the first to admit that it doesn’t take much to tempt him out of the studio and come spring he is likely to be found helping to monitor breeding Hen Harriers with the RSPB in the Bowland Fells where this magnificent bird has its English stronghold. Here he also finds time to watch his personal favourite the Short-eared Owl.
Michael is often asked how long it takes to do a painting and the question is not so simple to answer, many things determine how long a piece takes, like size, composition, and whether he is motivated, sometimes interest is lost partway through a painting, but it is safe to say anywhere between a week and a couple of month. As an Artist he is a private person and loves the personal space of his studio where he happily paints to the music of Enya or the classics, not for him the public demonstrations or the teaching of others, he is far too shy for this but he is happy to discuss his work with the public at shows.
Michael will take on commissions but limits the amount due to a busy schedule which includes shows such as the British Bird Fair, the CLA and Scottish Game Fairs and the Falconry Fair. His Original work can also be viewed at his studio by prior arrangement
Contact Michael by e-mail: MDemainwildart@aol.com
Or visit his web site: www.michaeldemainwildlifeart.co.uk