Artist in Focus - Mike Francis

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Mike Francis has died after a long ilness.

'Sugar Daddy' acrylic on canvas, 76 x 76 cm

Influenced by his previous work as a commercial illustrator, British artist Mike Francis gave his Hyperrealist work a more imaginary approach. Mixing natural landscapes with elements of the urban as the backdrop for his subjects, he creates a narrative where viewers are invited to interpret and add to. His works blurs the boundaries between the real and the imaginary, to the point where they become indistinguishable.

'Drinks at the Pool' acrylic on canvas, 101.5 x 127 cm

His unique compositions are a mixture of personal photographs, detailed sketches and melange of magazine cuttings collected over the years.

'Memory Man' acrylic on canvas, 51 x 91 cm

His paintings depict large scale landscapes, pools and beach scenes. Often including a prominent female figure. Aided by the use of vibrant colours many of his compositions possess a distinctive summer feel transporting the viewer to a happy place. Some of his creations bare a resemblance to 1950s postcards, again highlighting how he combines styles from his commercial illustrator past with techniques more in tune with Hyperrealism.

'Spot the Dog II' acrylic on canvas, 122 x 183 cm

Francis has often said he learnt how to tell a visual story through composition and colour during his years as a draughtsman. He has cited Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth as being his greatest influences along with the emerging American realists of the time.

'Twenty Miles If You're Lucky' acrylic on canvas, 100 x 120 cm

In-person or FaceTime/ WhatsApp/ Zoom viewings are available.
To book an appointment or for more information please contact us via email on maggie@plusonegallery.com and maria@plusonegallery.com
or by phone on 020 7730 7656.