Presenting Mike Willdridge

Watercolours and drawing (also gouache and acrylics, with a special emphasis on drawing and sketching on location)

Mike Willdridge is very experienced in a variety of painting and drawing media – as well as printmaking – and regularly teaches from his studio in Devon and on painting holidays abroad.

In his own work Mike is continually trying to move towards ‘abstraction’ and usually works in a quick, loose style. He is an energetic and enthusiastic teacher who often encourages his students to be bold/take chances. He is particularly keen on all forms of drawing and constantly uses a sketchbook.

During his course, Mike will teach students how to gather speedy impressions using a sketchbook, to be worked up afterwards in the studio. Mike will concentrate on teaching watercolour painting, but is also happy to help with gouache and acrylics. He will also help people to improve their drawing and to learn how best to keep a sketchbook while on location.

Mike first qualified and worked as a Graphic Designer before joining the Army and serving in many countries. But more than 20 years ago he left the army to become an Art Teacher and was the Head of Art at two independent schools before taking early retirement to teach adults and paint in Devon. Since then he has exhibited regularly at the Mall Gallery and Llewellyn Alexander Gallery, London and at several galleries in Devon.

You can find out more about Mike and his work from his website at mikewilldridge-artist.com/