TIME is running out to catch Trallong-based artist Michael Howard’s exhibition at the Tower Gallery in Crickhowell.
His oil paintings of the local area, including landscapes of Trallong Common and his interpretations of the Usk Valley, will be on show at the gallery until Saturday (September 2). The exhibition celebrates art associated with the local area.
Originally from Lancashire, Howard has travelled the world painting whilst taking up an interesting selection of jobs, including cotton farming in Israel and a suitcase factory in Perth, before studying at Chelsea Art College, becoming head of art at Rugby School and eventually moving to Brecon. Michael’s reputation is international and many of his works have been purchased by prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as well as being sold worldwide.
While his early artwork is inspired by his travel experiences, nowadays Michael uses the beautiful surroundings near his Trallong home as motivation for his canvas paintings.
Usk Valley Artists’ Cooperative member Robert MacDonald, who also has work displayed in Tower Gallery, describes Michael as an “artist with a most unusual history”.