about

My name is Michael Watkins and I have been creating original hand painted silks for several years.

I studied Textile Design for three years at Stockport College of Art and Design and started my first textile designers job in a studio in Sydney Australia. Working with all shades of browns still reminds of the desert regions. Shades of blues and turquoise of the great Barrier Reef.

I feel privileged to live in North Devon a place of stunning beauty and vibrant colour which always continues to be a great inspiration to me.

Silk Painting first caught my attention as an Adult Education Teacher and my subjects taught were Textile Design, Drawing Buildings and Glass Painting. Several times I was asked by my students if I would be interested in teaching Silk Painting which I eventually did and I enjoyed this new artistic challenge so much I have been involved with Silk Painting ever since.

Silk painting today remains my favourite form of art and having tried silk cards and general silk drawing subjects I now specialise in Ties, Bow Ties and Scarves. With most of my designs you have probably noticed I draw the outline with Gutta and my favourite colour for this is gold. I then apply a variety of silk colours all individualy painted and then fix with heat usualy applied with an iron.

I enjoy experimenting with my different designs, colour and method and sincerely hope that you enjoy my unique style of silk painting. They are perfect for anyone who appreciates a touch of individuality and character making ideal gifts. Silks are also very light and therefore inexpensive to send in the UK and particularly abroad.