Michael Harrison PRBA, Hon RBSA, is a distinguished British artist renowned for his intimate en plein air landscape studies. Born in Northamptonshire, England, Harrison’s artistic journey began in the 1960s when he attended the Academie Julian in Paris, a post-Impressionist studio. Despite his early passion, societal norms of the time did not favor a career in art, leading him to pursue painting primarily during family holidays, especially in Greece and France. It wasn’t until later in life that Harrison dedicated himself fully to his art, developing a distinctive style that has garnered significant recognition.

Harrison’s work is characterised by small-scale landscape paintings created directly from observation. He believes that such pieces, born from immediate response to the subject, often convey more emotion and impact than larger, meticulously detailed studio works. Utilising a limited color palette, Harrison focuses on tonal harmony to evoke mood and atmosphere, resulting in paintings that feel both immediate and evocative. His approach emphasises capturing the essence of a scene, inviting viewers to engage their imagination and emotions.

Throughout his career, Harrison has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United Kingdom. In 2021, he was elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) and has since been appointed as the current President of the society. His works encompass a diverse range of subjects and locations, with a particular emphasis on small landscape studies completed en plein air. Beyond landscapes, Harrison has shown a growing interest in depicting cathedrals and church interiors, exploring themes of sanctuary and spirituality.

One notable project in Harrison’s career was his role as Artist-in-Residence at Leicester Cathedral in 2017, where he was commissioned to document the re-interment events of King Richard III. This series, titled ‘Sanctuary for a King’ received widespread media acclaim for its poignant portrayal of this historic event. Additionally, in 2019, Harrison was invited as a guest artist to commemorate the Tricentennial of Freemasonry at the United Grand Lodge of England, further showcasing his versatility and the respect he commands in the art community.

Harrison’s works are held in various public collections, including the Alfred East Art Gallery in Kettering, Northamptonshire; the Deanery Collection at Leicester Cathedral; and the United Grand Lodge of England. His paintings continue to captivate audiences, offering a window into the serene and contemplative aspects of the British landscape and architectural heritage.

For those interested in exploring Michael Harrison’s works further, we are thrilled to have listed several works on his behalf.