Intense Contemporary.

The main focus of Michael Whitehead’s work is the creation of large layered abstracts, contemporary paintings in which each brush stroke challenges the previous one, where oil is pitted against acrylic to create deliberate tension, resistance and intensity.

Where large blocks of color may be layered to capture or reflect light, or a moody palate is employed where the under-painting appears to be attempting to break through to provide a fleeting glimpse of a secret world beneath.

He believes a painting has to be instinctive and have a sense of urgency but yet remain precise. If paint runs across a canvas it’s because the artist is happy for it to go there or has even encouraged it to do so. Every stroke, every line, is intended to leave a record of its journey.