Mike Snell, January 2006
Mike Snell paints mainly in acrylic in what he describes as a Relatively Modern Style.
Mike spent five years at Art College in London, leaving Harrow School of Art with a degree in Graphic Information Design. He then worked for ten years in publishing with, among others, Time Life Magazine and Dorling Kindersley, publishers of educational books. He regained his love of painting using watercolours, then oils and finally acrylics and ten years ago moved to Looe in Cornwall to paint full time and exhibit his work. Mike moved to Spain recently and opened his gallery with a studio on the premises. Visitors are welcome and Mike will spend some time explaining and demonstrating his techniques.
Many of his paintings are themed; lightning, sunsets and sunrises, seascapes, beach to sea and sea to beach and he takes the idea one step further by producing multiple canvas pieces. The pictures are designed for modern living and can be painted to fit a particular space or to match a colour scheme. In fact Mike welcomes the challenge of accepting a commission that will tax his skills. Some of Mike's inspiration comes from the architecture of the region, its colours and shapes. The results can perhaps be termed realistic cubism with evocative reminders of typical Andalucian building with strong vertical perspective that could even suggest the presence of cranes in the scene.
Taking this theme one step further Mike introduces an extra dimension to the work in some instances, by adding sand to his paint. The result is a texture reminiscent of the rendered walls that surround us. People are encouraged to touch his work to discover this third dimension for themselves. Needless to say each work is unique and in some cases, as you would expect with lightning or a sunrise as the subject, stunning. The style and bold colours admirably suit and will enhance the modern Spanish room.
For those who prefer more subtle tones Mike produces landscapes swathed in mist and abstracts in pastel shades that could have been inspired by clouds rolling off Los Reales into the valleys below. Whilst retaining a good sense of financial acumen by producing work that he feels will be in demand, Mike has an ambition; to paint small subjects in great detail to reveal their secrets. As he put it, 'To show and frame the humble mussel in all its glory'. With his attention to detail I look forward to seeing that.