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Blocks, Manchester,
Circa 2023
Michael Ashcroft
Painting : oil
21.5 x 20 x 0.5 cm 8.5 x 7.9 x 0.2 inch
$1,035
$931
931 $US
One of the last works available by this artist
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About the artwork
Type
Unique work
Signature
Hand-signed by artist
Authenticity
Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery
Invoice from the gallery
Dimensions cm • inch
21.5 x 20 x 0.5 cm 8.5 x 7.9 x 0.2 inch Height x Width x Depth
Support
Framing
Black frame
Artwork dimensions including frame
34 x 32 x 3 cm 13.4 x 12.6 x 1.2 inch
Artwork sold in perfect condition, framed, ready to hang
Artwork location: United Kingdom
Michael John Ashcroft's painting, Blocks, Manchester, is a striking example of the contemporary British artist's celebrated commitment to capturing the colour and atmosphere of the Northern city. As a dedicated member of institutions like the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Ashcroft grounds his practice in representational work, often painting to fully realise the immediacy of his urban surroundings. The subject matter focuses on the architectural fabric of the city centre, utilising the geometric forms and imposing scale of modern blocks and commercial buildings to anchor the composition. The small size of the piece suggests it may be one of his sought-after oil sketches, valued for its vitality and spontaneous energy.
The artwork showcases Ashcroft's technical mastery, particularly his signature fascination with the interaction between light and shadow. He skillfully uses oils to achieve a balance between realism and Impressionism, employing bold, visible brushstrokes that convey texture and movement, typical of the broader Northern art tradition. This approach allows him to capture the transient moods of Manchester—often focusing on the dramatic effects of street lighting against wet pavements or the diffused illumination of a grey day. The careful manipulation of colour—likely featuring rich, earthy tones contrasted with flashes of neon or artificial light—creates a compelling atmosphere that is both familiar and dramatically cinematic.
Ultimately, is a work of deep affection, communicating the artist's truthful and emotional connection to the metropolis. Critics have often noted a Hopperesque quality in his work, where moments of quiet solitude are found within a bustling urban environment. By focusing on simple structures and the everyday rhythms of city life, Ashcroft invites the viewer to appreciate the raw beauty of the modern cityscape. The painting stands as a testament to the enduring inspiration Manchester offers, solidifying Ashcroft's reputation as a worthy heir to the great tradition of Lancashire painters.
Collector’s Guide
Discover more by the artist
Presentation
Michael John Ashcroft ROI MAFA is a celebrated contemporary painter rooted in the great tradition of Lancashire painters. His evocative cityscapes and serene landscapes, rendered predominantly in oil, are grounded in a profound fascination with the interplay of light and shadow, a vision forged after a life-altering health event. Once a professional engineer, Ashcroft's life took an unexpected turn at age 28. Following a major operation for a brain tumour, a single, poignant moment—seeing his reflection with half his face in sunlight and the other in shade—was the catalyst for a renewed purpose, leading him to pursue painting with unwavering dedication.
This authentic origin story is the foundation of his practice. His technical skill and artistic vision have since earned him a place among the most respected art institutions in the UK. A member of the elite Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, Ashcroft's work has been exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists and the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London. He was also a finalist on the BBC Two art programme , where he was selected to exhibit at the Mall Galleries from a field of over three thousand artists.
Acclaimed art critic David Lee, referencing this profound authenticity, hailed him as "a worthy heir of those in the great tradition of Lancashire painters." With a consistent record of sales on both the primary and secondary markets, Ashcroft's paintings are in demand with collectors worldwide.
Painters
British artists
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