Artist Talk
Mike Skidmore: The Story Behind the Subject
Saturday, 18th April 1-3pm
Join us for an intimate look into the world of Mike Skidmore, a master of contemporary still life whose work breathes new life into the traditional. Known for his uncanny ability to capture the fragile beauty of birds paired with weathered, storied objects, Mike explores the intersection of nature and the man-made.
In this talk, Mike will pull back the curtain on his creative process—from the "hunt" for unique, character-filled surfaces to the meticulous techniques he uses to render feathers and form. He will share the narratives behind his most iconic pieces, discussing why he chooses specific subjects and how he creates a sense of history and atmosphere in every frame.
Whether you are an aspiring painter, a bird lover, or an art enthusiast, come discover how Mike transforms everyday objects into poignant, realistic stages for his avian subjects.
Mike works from his studio near the river in Ross-on-Wye, which is perfect for taking a walk to ponder ideas for new paintings. He has exhibited nationwide, and his paintings are collected primarily in the UK and the US.
Join us for an intimate look into the world of Mike Skidmore, a master of contemporary still life whose work breathes new life into the traditional. Known for his uncanny ability to capture the fragile beauty of birds paired with weathered, storied objects, Mike explores the intersection of nature and the man-made.
In this talk, Mike will pull back the curtain on his creative process—from the "hunt" for unique, character-filled surfaces to the meticulous techniques he uses to render feathers and form. He will share the narratives behind his most iconic pieces, discussing why he chooses specific subjects and how he creates a sense of history and atmosphere in every frame.
Whether you are an aspiring painter, a bird lover, or an art enthusiast, come discover how Mike transforms everyday found objects into poignant, photorealistic stages for his avian subjects.
Mike works from his studio near the river in Ross-on-Wye, which is perfect for taking a walk to ponder ideas for new paintings. He has exhibited nationwide, and his paintings are collected primarily in the UK and the US.
Kelvin Okafor: Drawing Awareness
Private View
28th April 6:30 - 8:30pm
Beecher’s Gallery is proud to present Drawing Awareness, an exhibition by acclaimed British hyperrealist artist Kelvin Okafor. This extraordinary body of work explores themes of acceptance, inclusion, and the lived experiences of individuals with visible skin differences.
In addition to his original Drawing Awareness portraits, Kelvin will be unveiling a deeply personal portrait of Prince never before exhibited. Kelvin writes, “In his song, I Would Die For You, Prince speaks of being neither woman nor man, but something beyond human understanding. These words struck me profoundly during a time when I had begun to walk a more spiritual path. I came to interpret this as a reflection of the inner essence we all possess, something intangible, without gender or physical form, yet deeply present within us.”
At the heart of the exhibition lies a clear mission: to foster empathy, educate audiences, and inspire greater unity. Kelvin’s portraits reject filtered ideals and glossy perfection, instead presenting the human face in its most honest and authentic form—marked by lived experience and enriched by individuality.
Themes of acceptance and inclusion are woven throughout the exhibition, not only through the artworks themselves but also through accompanying personal narratives. Each sitter shares their story, challenging societal perceptions and confronting narrow beauty standards. In doing so, Drawing Awareness becomes more than an exhibition—it is a movement advocating for compassion, representation, and meaningful connection in an image-driven world.