Michael J Strang (1942-2021) Postwar Cornish Artist

Postwar British Artist of stunning Cornish landscapes and vibrant flowers

Michael James Strang (1942–2021) was a British Postwar & Contemporary painter whose work continues to resonate with collectors, curators, and art lovers. Known for his emotionally charged landscapes and floral compositions, Strang’s art is a celebration of nature, spirituality, and the enduring power of paint.

Formative Years and Artistic Training

Born in 1942, Strang trained at Wimbledon College of Art and Camberwell School of Art between 1968 and 1973. His education under influential figures such as David Poole, then President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, laid the foundation for his technical mastery and philosophical approach to painting.

Strang’s artistic awakening was deeply personal, sparked by a revelatory encounter with a painting by John Constable, which he described as a “St. Paul on the road to Damascus” moment. This experience shaped his lifelong belief that painting was a form of prayer and communion with the divine.

Studio Life and Artistic Practice

Strang worked prolifically from his home studio in Gulval near Penzance, Cornwall. The surrounding landscapes, windswept coastlines, twilight bays, and blooming fields, became the soul of his work. His paintings are often large-scale, with paint applied in a heavy impasto, creating textured surfaces that evoke both physical and emotional depth.

Notable works such as St Ives Storm (c.1992–97) and Towards Penzance, Twilight Mount's Bay, 18 October 1997 are housed in the Penlee House Collection, reflecting his deep connection to the Cornish environment.

Artistic Style and Influences

Strang’s style blends British Impressionism with a romantic and metaphysical sensibility. He was influenced by Constable, Turner, and the Cornish light itself. His plein air technique allowed him to capture fleeting moments with immediacy and authenticity.

He once said, “Paintings grow from the soil of other paintings,” a philosophy that underscores his reverence for artistic tradition and his belief in the spiritual continuity of art.

Exhibitions, Memberships, and Public Collections

Strang was a member of the St. Ives Society of Artists and exhibited at the Royal Academy, affirming his place among Britain’s respected contemporary painters. His work has been widely exhibited and acquired by both private collectors and public institutions.

His paintings are held in prestigious collections including:

• Royal Cornwall Museum

• Falmouth Art Gallery

• National Museum of Wales

• Penlee House Museum

• Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

One of his most notable public commissions is an oil painting of St Martin-in-the-Fields, which now hangs permanently in the vicarage of the iconic James Gibb-designed church at Trafalgar Square.

Market Presence

Strang’s work continues to attract strong interest in the art market. His works are represented by The Summerhouse Gallery in Marazion, which continues to collaborate with his family to preserve and promote his legacy.

Legacy and Influence

Michael Strang’s legacy is one of emotional depth, spiritual resonance, and technical brilliance. He bridged the gap between traditional impressionism and contemporary romanticism, inspiring a new generation of landscape painters. His belief that painting is a sacred act continues to influence artists seeking authenticity and connection in their work.

Michael J. Strang was not just a painter of landscapes; he was a painter of life, light, and longing. His canvases speak to the soul, inviting viewers into a world where nature and spirit intertwine. As the art world continues to embrace emotional authenticity and timeless beauty, Strang’s work stands as a beacon of both.

Sources: www.cornwallartists.org, www.artbiogs.co.uk and multiple web-based articles