Born in 1969, Michael John Ashcroft grew up in the village of Croston in Lancashire. After leaving school in 1985 he began his career as an engineer, painting and sketching only in his spare time. In 1998 he had a major operation and decided to paint more seriously returning to college.
His paintings have evolved over the years from early abstract acrylics to using oils and more representational works painted on location. The foundations that underpin his paintings hasn’t changed and that is his fascination with light and dark and his love for the city and the landscape. David Lee (art critic) quoted:
‘There are no secrets in what he does. Being open and honest he tells you directly through his pictures where his interests lie. We don’t have to be told by experts the meaning of his work because they are self-evident – we can see them for ourselves. In his landscapes as well as his views of the city, he willingly lays bare his pleasures and beliefs. You can’t ask more of any artist than this. He is a worthy heir of those in the great tradition of Lancashire painters.’
Michael has exhibited at The Royal Society of British Artists, The New English Art Club, The Howard De Walden Exhibition and The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London.
Society Membership
Royal Society of Oil Painters
Manchester Academy of Fine Art
Awards
Winner Alan Gourley Memorial Award ROI 2020
Shortlisted New Light Exhibition 2020
Shortlisted GM Arts Prize 2019
ROI Prize Winner of the Frank Herring Easel Award 2017
BoldBrush American Art Award Prize Winner 2017
Buxton Spa Prize 3rd Prize Winner 2015
BoldBrush American Art Award, finalist 2014
Artist of the Year 2013 finalist and highly commended
International Artist Magazine finalist 2007
West Lancashire Open Art Competition, commendation
South Ribble Winner and Peoples Prize
Preston Harris Open Art Museum Winner
