Featured Artists &
MH Ambassadors
Meet the Michael Harding Ambassadors, a select group of artists personally chosen by Michael Harding for their remarkable talent and dedication to their craft. These artists exemplify the full potential of Michael Harding paints, each bringing their unique style and vision to life.
Quang Ho
Quang Ho is a Vietnamese-American artist known for his masterful ability to blend realism and abstraction in his work. Born in Hue, Vietnam, in 1963, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1975. His art spans various subjects, from still lifes and landscapes to figurative work, all characterized by a deep exploration of visual elements like shape, tone, and color. Ho is also a respected teacher and lecturer in the art community.
Watercolour Ambassadors
Vinessa Redford
Vinessa Redford is a Canadian artist exploring contemporary florals and organic forms. Raised in rural northern Alberta, her love of wildflowers and boreal landscapes was inspired by her late grandmother. Initially a fine art photographer exhibiting internationally, she turned to painting in 2021. Her watercolours blend meditative expression with experimental mark-making, palette, and texture. Based in Toronto.
Anabell Ayala-Rodriguez
Anabell is an architectural designer and tutor based in Melbourne who rediscovered her passion for painting during the 2020 lockdowns. With more time for reflection and solitude, she returned to art as a form of expression and balance. Her work often reflects her design background, blending structure with emotion.
Andy Dolphin
Andy Dolphin has been immersed in art since childhood, spending hours drawing whatever he could. He later worked as an illustrative signwriter and commercial illustrator before embracing fine art. Working in oils and watercolour, Andy focuses on moody light and long, atmospheric shadows. Painting en plein air, he captures scenes directly from nature, each work becoming a memory of time and place.
Raniya Ali
Raniya Ali is an Indian watercolor artist who loves painting calm, atmospheric landscapes inspired by nature. A travel artist at heart, she enjoys painting outdoors from time to time, capturing landscapes through plein air practice. Her work leans towards simplicity, soft light, and mood, using loose brushwork and an intuitive approach rather than too much detail.
Poppy Balser
Poppy Balser is a Canadian painter of fresh, serene watercolours drawn from the coast and landscapes of Nova Scotia. She came to Michael Harding’s watercolours after winning the Best Watercolour Award at the Bermuda Plein Air Festival, having long admired the brand’s oils. Her work seeks luminosity and depth through intense, highly pigmented colour, and she has her own introductory watercolour set.
Vicente García Fuentes RI
Vicente is a dedicated painter whose lifelong passion began in childhood. A scholarship residency in Iceland deepened his connection to nature, inspiring expressive watercolours that explore light, emotion, and shifting landscapes. Glaciers, seas, skies, and volcanoes often feature in his evolving work.
Sam Goetsch
Sam Goetsch is a contemporary painter whose work centers on the meaning found in everyday life. She focuses on people, their clothing, and the spaces they inhabit, treating these details as narratives that reveal character, emotion, and connection. Her work is frequently defined by bold color and vintage-inspired elements that add warmth, charm and character.
Brienne Brown
Brienne M. Brown is an award-winning plein air and studio painter working in watercolour and oil. For her, watercolour is a passion — she embraces its slightly controlled chaos, mixing colours on palette and paper to build chroma-shifted neutrals without creating mud. Focused on high-contrast paintings and the pigment-to-water ratio, she has tested and used Michael Harding’s watercolours for several years, and has her own introductory set.
Marlaine Michie
Marlaine Michie is a watercolour artist and the creator of Michael Harding’s colour swatch comparisons. She discovered the paints through the Italian Art Shop in Cape Town and, when asked to test the entire range, agreed without hesitation. Passionate about paint and colour, she uses MH watercolours for illustrations in her journals and for painting birds, flowers, and landscapes — and has her own introductory watercolour set.
Iss Mueller
Isabelle Müller is a contemporary artist known for her unique and expressive abstract works. Drawing inspiration from nature and emotions, her art is characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic textures, and fluid forms that evoke a sense of movement and depth.
Urban Anna
Astrid, also known as Urban Anna, is a self-taught artist who transforms everyday architecture into magical, whimsical art. Since 2020, she has illustrated shopfronts, pubs, and charming buildings using watercolor and pen. Astrid is a Michael Harding Watercolour ambassador and has worked with Michael Harding to create a curated 10-colour watercolour set. She has authored four coloring books and an art instruction book, with global reach in countries like the US, Germany, and Japan.
Nick Runge
Raised in Colorado in a family of artists, Nick grew up drawing and visualizing ideas. After working as a full-time illustrator, he shifted to personal work in watercolor and oil. A portrait and figurative painter, he works from life and photos, calling his style "disrupted realism"-aimed at conveying the human experience with simplified forms and brushwork that suggest realism while reducing shapes to their essential elements.
Paul Cadden
Paul Cadden is a realist artist based in the Outer Hebrides. Working in graphite and watercolour, he translates close observation into images that probe identity and our relationship to place. His drawings and layered washes elevate the familiar-streets, interiors, weathered surfaces, sea-light-into quiet portals for emotion, cultural memory, and political nuance.
Oil Paint Ambassadors
Aldo Balding
Aldo Balding is a British figurative painter known for his cinematic approach to capturing everyday moments with striking realism. His work often portrays figures in urban or domestic settings, emphasizing light, shadow, and atmosphere to create a narrative within each piece. Aldo’s paintings are exhibited internationally and are sought after by collectors for their timeless quality and emotional depth.
Quang Ho
Quang Ho is a Vietnamese-American artist known for his masterful ability to blend realism and abstraction in his work. Born in Hue, Vietnam, in 1963, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1975. His art spans various subjects, from still lifes and landscapes to figurative work, all characterized by a deep exploration of visual elements like shape, tone, and color. Ho is also a respected teacher and lecturer in the art community.
Ricky Mujica
Ricky Mujica is an award-winning realist painter based in New York City, known for his masterful depictions of human emotion and beauty. With a background in illustration for top publishers and murals for major brands, he transitioned to fine art, where his work has been featured in collections worldwide and in exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art and the Salmagundi Club.
Grant Perry
Grant Perry is a realist painter from Illinois who works in traditional methods. Influenced early by classical music and museum visits, he was drawn to the technical challenges of classical art. After high school, he moved to New York to study at Grand Central Atelier, completing the four-year core program. A former resident artist at GCA, Grant now paints from his studio in Texas, continuing his pursuit of classical realism.
Jess Oliver
Jess Oliver is a contemporary artist known for her captivating abstract and mixed media works. She skillfully blends textures, colors, and patterns to create dynamic pieces that evoke emotion and curiosity. Drawing inspiration from nature and personal experiences, Jess’s work explores themes of transformation and resilience.
Peter Keegan
Peter Keegan is a British artist specializing in portraiture and landscapes, known for his expressive brushwork and vibrant use of color. He captures the essence of his subjects with a contemporary twist on traditional techniques. As a dedicated art tutor and co-host of the "Ask an Artist" podcast, Peter shares his passion and knowledge with a global audience.
Maldha Mohamed
Maldha Mohamed is a talented self-taught artist from the Maldives, known for her ethereal and surrealistic artworks that explore the depths of human emotion and behavior. Her work, often characterised by intricate textures and vivid colours, draws inspiration from dreams and everyday observations.
Toby Michael
Toby Michael (b. 1996) is an award-winning figurative painter based in Oxford. His paintings explore longing, memory and ambiguity through symbolic imagery, cool colour harmonies and figurative narratives. Drawing on nineteenth-century figurative painting and modernist colour, he combines observed realism with atmosphere and feeling, creating images that sit between the familiar and the imagined. A Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year finalist, his honours include the RBA’s Michael Harding Award.
Philip Barlow
Philip Barlow is a South African artist renowned for his unique approach to capturing light and color. Born in 1968 in Pietermaritzburg, he uses oil paints to create abstract figurative works that often resemble out-of-focus photographs, exploring the beauty in the mundane and the play between light and shadow. His work, celebrated for its "bokeh" effect, offers a fresh perspective on urban landscapes. Barlow currently lives and works in Cape Town.
Jeremy Lipking
Jeremy Lipking is a celebrated American realist painter known for his stunning portraits and landscapes that evoke the romanticism of 19th-century masters like Anders Zorn. Based in California, Lipking captures the subtleties of light and atmosphere in his work, often painting en plein air to achieve a naturalistic effect.
Daniel Wilson
Daniel Wilson is an award-winning wildlife artist, known for his realistic animal portraiture and scenes depicting the interactions between animals and the natural world. Born in the UK, Daniel's paintings capture the vibrant colours, textures and characteristics of animals from around the globe. He seeks to create a lasting impression of the beauty, uniqueness and fragility of the natural world. Daniel also aims to inspire other artists, sharing his process and knowledge through the Studio Wildlife YouTube channel.
Ashwini Bharathula
Ashwini Bharathula is a South India-born, Arizona-based artist working primarily in oils. With a PhD in Materials Science, she transitioned from the tech world to fine art, blending her love of precision and beauty. Self-taught through workshops and books, she paints realistic still lifes and portraits with depth and warmth. Ashwini is also an instructor at Scottsdale Artists' School and continues to explore the intersection of art and science.
Dan Bullock
Dan Bullock is a contemporary realist artist known for his meticulously detailed oil paintings that often explore themes of beauty, decay, and the passage of time. His works are celebrated for their lifelike quality and emotional depth, drawing viewers into a narrative beyond the canvas.
Felicity Joy Starr
Felicity Joy Starr is a contemporary representational artist whose vibrant paintings explore landscape, portrait, and still life. Deeply inspired by nature, her work combines realism and impressionism, shaped by her time living in Paris. Self-taught and painting daily, Felicity works in an energetic, expressive style using alla prima and impasto techniques.
Haidee-Jo Summers
Haidee-Jo Summers is an accomplished British plein air and studio painter, celebrated for her vibrant depictions of gardens, landscapes, and seascapes. She is the Vice President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (VPROI) and a member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA). Her work, which captures light-filled moments with fresh, direct brushwork, has earned her numerous awards.
Sarah Margaret Gibson
Sarah Margaret Gibson is an accomplished contemporary realist painter from Cincinnati, OH, known for her evocative portraits, still-lifes, and bird paintings. Her work is characterized by rich tenebrism, where dramatic contrasts of light and shadow create depth and emotional intensity. Trained in Florence, Italy, she co-founded the Glasgow Academy of Fine Art in 2019, where she serves as Academic Director.
Makenzy Beard
Makenzy Beard is a young Welsh artist gaining recognition for her incredibly detailed and lifelike portraits. Despite her age, her work has garnered international attention, showcasing her remarkable talent and meticulous attention to detail. Makenzy often draws inspiration from the people and landscapes around her, translating them into powerful, expressive pieces.
Henrik Uldalen
Henrik Uldalen is a self-taught Norwegian artist, known for his emotive figurative paintings that explore themes like existentialism, loneliness, and the beauty found within fragility. His works often present dream-like atmospheres, blending classical techniques with contemporary, surreal elements. As a Michael Harding ambassador, Henrik advocates for the use of high-quality art materials to create deeply resonant and impactful art.
Vicki Norman
Vicki Norman is a British artist renowned for her plein air paintings that capture the beauty of natural light and landscapes. With a focus on color and atmosphere, her work often explores the changing effects of light on her surroundings. Vicki teaches and demonstrates her techniques internationally, sharing her passion for painting with a global audience.
Kathleen B. Hudson
Kathleen B. Hudson is a renowned landscape painter who specializes in capturing dynamic light and atmosphere in her oil paintings. A Signature Member of Plein Air Painters of America, she is also a Fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists. Her work has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the PleinAir Salon.
Marshall Jones
Marshall Jones is a realist painter and educator based in New York City, known for his figurative works and his explorations in both realism and abstraction. Originally from Atlanta, he has received several prestigious awards, including the Elizabeth Greenshields Grant. He teaches at institutions like the Art Students League of New York and the New York Academy of Art.
Kesja Tabaczuk
Kesja Tabaczuk is a Polish-born contemporary realist painter based in Oslo, Norway. Her work captures the beauty of everyday moments and human emotions, often through detailed portraiture. Influenced by Diane Arbus, her art is characterized by a meticulous process that starts with extensive photo sessions.
Riona Buthello
Riona Buthello is a Manchester-based artist whose dreamy, nostalgic paintings explore collective memory and emotional atmosphere. Inspired by hazy days, rain-soaked streets, and bokeh lights, her work evokes the quiet beauty of fleeting moments. Riona paints from her home studio using expressive, intuitive strokes, and is proud to be an ambassador for Pro Arte Brushes and MH Paints.
Tim Rees
Tim Rees is an American painter celebrated for his mastery of realist techniques and his focus on humanism in art. After studying at the Palette and Chisel Academy in Chicago, he quickly became known for his loose alla prima portraits and striking figurative works. Rees later opened his own atelier and has been featured in numerous art publications and exhibitions.
Andrii Kateryniuk
Andrii Kateryniuk is a Ukrainian painter based in Florence, Italy, known for his figurative and landscape work in traditional oil. Rooted in classical training and inspired by 19th-century techniques, his art explores light, shadow, and emotional stillness. His atmospheric compositions often feature solitary figures and quiet landscapes, inviting a sense of reflection and intimacy through refined craftsmanship.
Johan Barrios
Johan Barrios is a Colombian artist whose work blurs the line between photography and painting. Using models and staged photographs as starting points, he creates haunting, hyper-realistic compositions in oil, charcoal, and watercolor. Known for faceless figures and surreal lighting, his work explores time, space, and perception.
Suzie Baker
Suzie Baker is an accomplished plein air and studio artist based in Texas, known for her vibrant and expressive oil paintings. She captures the beauty of landscapes, still lifes, and portraits with a keen sense of light and color. Suzie has won numerous awards and is a Signature Member of multiple prestigious art organizations.
Michelle Wooderson
Michelle Wooderson is an artist based in rural Kansas, where she finds inspiration in the landscapes around her. With a background in interior design and a long history in the paper crafting industry, she has shifted her focus back to painting and mixed media, creating vibrant sketchbooks filled with watercolors. Michelle is passionate about teaching and sharing her creative journey with others.
Will Rochfort
Will Rochfort is a British narrative painter known for his cinematic, staged scenes and meticulous detail. Inspired by Norman Rockwell, Edward Hopper, and classic films, his work often captures idealized moments with friends and family. A Michael Harding ambassador, Will collaborated with the brand on his own 6-colour oil paint set. Over the past decade, he has created evocative pieces that resonate emotionally.
Bryan Mark Taylor
Bryan Mark Taylor is a renowned painter, lecturer, inventor, and world traveler, recognized for his captivating plein air landscapes and cityscapes. His award-winning work is featured in prominent museums and private collections worldwide. Beyond painting, Bryan co-founded Sentient Academy and the Vision X global art conference, significantly contributing to the art community.
Mitch Griffiths
Mitch Griffiths is a British painter renowned for his hyperrealistic oil paintings that merge Old Master techniques with modern themes like identity, patriotism, and social media’s impact. A self-taught artist, he gained prominence through the BP Portrait Awards and has exhibited at prestigious venues like the State Hermitage Museum.
Rosso Emerald Crimson
Rosso Emerald Crimson is an Italian-born, London-based artist known for emotive portraits of women that blend classical technique with contemporary depth. Her work explores identity, vulnerability, and strength through richly layered figures emerging from abstract settings. A multi-award-winning painter, Rosso has exhibited internationally and appeared on Sky Portrait Artist of the Year. Her portraits are part of the Soho House Art Collection.
Rupert Alexander
Rupert Alexander is a distinguished British portrait artist known for his refined and realistic style. His works often feature prominent figures, capturing their essence with meticulous attention to detail and depth. Trained under the tutelage of some of the best in the field, Rupert’s portraits have earned him international acclaim and commissions from royalty and celebrities alike.
Anhelina Holembivska
Anhelina Holembivska is a Ukrainian painter based in Florence, Italy. Inspired by the natural beauty of her countryside childhood, she studied at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Kyiv and continued her training in Florence. Her work blends classical European techniques with Japanese-inspired composition, often seen in her expressive bird paintings. Anhelina is represented by Arcadia Contemporary in New York. She teaches regularly, holding workshops in her Florence studio around twice a year and running one online workshop annually.
C.W. Mundy
C.W. Mundy is an American Impressionist painter celebrated for his masterful use of light and color in capturing landscapes, still lifes, and nautical scenes. His works are known for their dynamic brushwork and rich textures, reflecting a deep connection to the subjects he paints. Mundy has earned numerous awards and is a member of prestigious art organizations.
"Paint what you see; not what you think is there."