Michael Thompson Wildlife Art

Michaels interest in art and painting commenced at University whilst studying Architecture. However his father who had been involved with motorsport for many years introduced him to the delights of competitive motoring and by the age of 19 Michael had already competed on his first International Rally. The competitive bug had bitten deeply and for the next 15 years he pursued a successful motoring career, competing on rallies throughout Europe as well as all over the UK. He also took part in many circuit races both in cars and on bikes winning several trophies. Whilst competing he started covering events for the motoring press and has had many articles published in all the well known motoring journals. A series of bad accidents left Michael partly disabled and led to his sporting retirement, but it did rekindle his interest in art, but painting motoring subjects not buildings! Michael has gradually built up a significant client base for his dramatic contemporary style and has completed commissions for many competitors, sponsors and teams within the motorsports world, however during 2004 Michael was asked to produce an equine portrait as a gift for a team owners wife. This has gradually led to a growth in equine commissions and now this category of painting forms a substantial sector of Michaels work. During his career Michaels work has appeared in many magazine articles both in the UK and abroad. In 1999 Michael went International with sell out exhibitions of his original paintings in the USA and Japan. He has regularly had his works exhibited in London at Brooklands, Goodwood Festival of Speed, and various Silverstone meetings. He has also appeared at the Autosport Racing Car Show and the Motor Show at the Birmingham NEC. Michael now works from his studio in the Somerset countryside with his wife Shirley and surrounded by a tribe of cats and dogs to keep him company.