Artist and Illustrator

**« Ciel »** 70 cm x 50 cm, Pastel on board

Welcome to my new website and blog where I showcase some of my paintings and drawings and explain my artistic approach and interests.

I recently took an 18-month break from painting in order to write a book. I am not presently represented by a gallery. If you are interested in viewing any of my artworks in real life, with a view to purchasing them, contact me to arrange a viewing or to find out when and where I will be exhibiting. It would not be practical to send my original paintings, however I do have some of them scanned and printed as archival-quality prints.

All my work is realism, ranging from painterly styles to highly-accurate cityscapes, portraits, and figurative paintings. I live on the very edge of south Manchester, fortunate to be able to walk straight into rural Cheshire or take a tram into the city. I sketch and paint in town or country at whim!

Recent *plein air* oil painting of Vicarage Lane Allotments, Altrincham, Cheshire. (Click to enlarge.)

I work both on commissioned and self-initiated projects.

Latest News (3 August 2026)

I am a member of the Altrincham Society of Artists (established in 1937) with whom I exhibited four paintings at the annual Summer Exhibition. Over 200 paintings were on show between Saturday 25 July and Saturday 1 August.

I am delighted to have received the judge’s winner’s award for Still Life (my pastel painting “Rainbow Trout”, which sold at the exhibition), and a commendation in the Portrait category for my pastel painting “Year of the Redhead”.

I received the Best in Show award by public vote for my Shambles Square oil painting.

Taking the canvas into the exhibition before the opening. Receiving “Best in Show” award a week later.

Go to Artworks by Subject >>

Mark Pickles, March 2026