Michael Brace is an art graduate from the University of Coventry, whose work draws inspiration from everyday life and captures the beauty in both expansive cityscapes and intimate scenes. His practice is deeply influenced by the Baroque movement, particularly its use of realism, chiaroscuro, and vibrant colors. Michael’s creative process is intuitive, developing themed collections that form naturally in his mind, with a slow and methodical approach focused on accuracy in perspective and proportions before adding rich color to his drawings.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
I would say the Barouqe movement for me, mostly due to the use of realism and the development and promotion of chiaroscuro and rich colours.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I make my best art at home, usually during the day when the natural light is the best. I don’t currently have a studio, so I use a large table near the conservatory to give me the most space and light to draw in.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
My creative process is kind of intuitive in as much as I usually create drawings in collections, so I allow a new idea for a collection (animals, toys, athletes, cakes, etc.) to form organically in my mind and then I work quite intensely to create the images. The actual drawing itself is quite slow and measured, over time I have learned to measure the image and get perspective and proportions right before I start adding colour, and to be ruthless with erasing sections that are not accurate. I have to say I prefer adding the colour than I do drawing the outline of the image.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
Going back to the Baroque era I have always been a fan of Caravaggio. But, over the years, Jenny Saville, David Hockney, Mark Rothko and Euan Uglow have all had an impact on how I create my drawings.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
Probably what I've been doing for the past 17 years, a Police Officer.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
Anything upbeat, so rock or pop. I do have a fondness for rap and hip hop.
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
Mark Rothko’s ‘Light Red Over Black’.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
The National Portrait Gallery, London.
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
Love your studio! You don’t realise how good it is to have access to a large space with lighting, ventilation and other artists until you don’t.
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
The Last Gunfight by Jeff Guinn.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
That’s a tricky one, probably Carrow Road, Norwich City Football Club's ground.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
It's been a while since university for me, but one of the biggest lessons I learned was realizing that I didn't have all the answers at 21.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
Haha, I’m tempted to say on a yacht in Monaco, but most likely either drawing at home or spending time with my family.
Learn more about Michael and discover his collection of artworks.
