Michael Murfin

Born in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, Michael Murfin has always been fascinated in observing the world around him, and by the process of turning these observations into pictures. He has described himself as being, from a very young age, a compulsive picture maker; someone who would inevitably take up a career in the visual arts. He trained at Leicester, Trent and Birmingham Polytechnics between 1972 and 1977.

In 1978, one year after completing his art education, he was commissioned by Imperial College, London, to paint the portrait of the Nobel Laureate, Professor Abdus Salem. In the same year he became one of four artists to take part in the Radlett Gallery's "Four Young Realists" exhibition; a year later his work was to be found in the Tolly Cobbold/Eastern Arts exhibition. In 1990 he took on the role of visiting lecturer at the University of Guelph, Ontario and also that of artist in residence at Oundle School, Northamptonshire.

Such early successes in his career pointed the way to Michael's present standing as an artist of international repute, whose career includes nine one man exhibitions at the renowned Piccadilly Gallery, Dover Street, London, plus one man shows at other galleries, including Landau Fine Art, Montreal, Canada; the Consort Gallery at Imperial College, London and the Yarrow Gallery, Oundle School. Michael has shown regularly with Woodbine Contemporary Arts since 2005.

Michael's work is steeped in the traditional skills of observation, drawing and painting. His subject matter varies, from Italy to equestrian, although he is exceptionally well known for his paintings of men working. His series based on the construction of Londonl's Millennium Bridge received considerable acclaim for the way in which he used the structure of the bridge to frame men at work.

A selection of works by Michael Murfin is shown below. If you are interested in purchasing any of these pieces please email yorath@woodbinecontemporaryarts.co.uk or telephone 01406 330693 / 07980 167404. Prices range from £1,800 to £6,000.