Steven Townsend Wildlife Artist - www.steventownsend.org

Steven Townsend is a completely self-taught artist of exceptional talent and dedication. Born in 1955 Steven is happily married with four children and a grandchild and currently resides in Lancashire England.

Stevens early work revolved around Wildlife and Landscape painting but he subsequently changed direction and started painting his now famous 'working dogs' pictures which continue to sell out on publication.

Stevens signed limited editions are one of the most sought after prints on the market and have become collectors items which sell out on publication. His first large format 'Early Start' now retails for as much as £2500. 'Rarin' to Go' published in July 1998 was on the secondary market within two weeks, something that had never been achieved before.

Undoubtedly now the top selling dog artist in the UK his next goal is to explore new avenues such as portraiture, still life and hyper realism lanscape paintings.

Steven Townsend draws inspiration from classical music, his favourites being mahler and Chopin. He has spent much time studying the works of several timeless, great impressionist painters, particularly enjoying the works of Peder Monsted and Bruno Liljefors.

His Faith has proved to be a cornerstone of his dedication and ability. Many customers are unaware that hidden in each and every painting he produces, the initials JTC (Jesus the Creator) appear, affirming his belief.

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Michael Demain Wildlife Artist - www.michaeldemainwildlifeart.co.uk

Michael Demain was born in 1957 in the small town of Accrington which lies amongst the Lancashire Pennines. He still lives here with his family to this day. Michael feels lucky to have been brought up during the 1960s as he feels that there was still some innocence to life and in general people were more genuine. Home computers and DVD games were somewhere far in the future and children spent all thier time outdoors playing games and exploring the countryside. It was in these earlier years that he developed a love for Wildlife and over the years this love has never waned.

At school he was bright but inevitably became one of the boys and was considered a lost cause and although he had artistic ability this was never picked up on and he eventually left without any qualifications. He spent most of his early working life as hod carrier but in 1991 after a chance meeting with Steven Townsend his direction in life took a dramatic twist. ("when i saw Steven Townsends work for the first time i also saw my future") Steven who became a good friend encouraged Michael to pursue his goal of becoming an artist and was always available with advice and constructive criticism but he never taught, encouraging Michael to develop his own style. Being self taught it was never an easy journey but Micheal is now reaping the rewards for the years of hard work and self discipline as his original work is now eagerly sought after by collectors.

As an artist he is a very private person and loves the personal space of his studio where he quietly paints to the soothing music of Enya or the Classics. Not for him the public demonstrations or the teaching of others as he is far to shy for this. He also shuns the opening night at exhibitions unless it is his own one man show and can only remember attending one after much persuasion. He finds this side of the art world rather detached from his own way of life but realises that it is necessary. Although he has won many awards he is not motivated by this and does not seek the limelight that awards bring. He does however like meeting the public at his shows and is only too happy to discuss his work. He is quick to point out that art in itself does not interest him and although he can appreciate good work he only paints himself because it is the one way he can express his love of nature. But he does count himself very fortunate that he can also make a living along the way.

Of his fellow artists he has always loved the work of Carl Brenders and Robert Bateman and is increasingly drawn to the work of Lars Jonsson. Another artist whose work inspires him is Chris Rose ("the light in his work showed me the way") there is honesty about his work which he can relate to.