Chris Macauley

1963. Born in Prestwich, Manchester.

“My art education started in Blackpool School of Art where I first saw the work of the artists who are sometimes referred to as the 'Euston Road School.' Their emphasis on the every day experience expressed through sometimes strict, observational drawing has had a long lasting influence on my approach to painting. This did not stop me admiring and being influenced by other more abstract and semi-figurative artists that held sway in Britain at the time. On continuing my art education in Newcastle Upon Tyne, I had the opportunity to meet some of these important and influential artists, such as Sir William Brooker and Albert Irvin. I often visited the London studios of some of my favourite abstract artists of the time. I am still trying to reconcile two very different approaches to painting, ie; figurative and abstract, and believe there is no right or wrong way; just endless possibilities.
I first exhibited in London in the 1980s at the Royal Overseas League annual exhibition with work that was completely abstract. After a long gap in painting I started teaching art in Leicestershire and returned to the figure and life drawing, going back to observation, culminating in a large one-man show at the Attenborough Centre, Leicester University.”

Chris Macauley