Mike Orrey

I see no real reason to paint, draw or create any art that does not evoke an emotion within the viewer. I have drawn and painted since childhood, however after 6 years of art studies in Cape Town, South Africa, I’ve spent most of my life in the fast lane of the advertising world as a creative executive. I am super conscious of the importance of creative work making a statement or sending a message of sorts.
I believe in this mantra and apply it to my personal work. I also believe in creating works that leave out the obvious and let the viewer finish the works within their own imagination.
Africa is a very exciting place for creative expression and I am blessed with the vibrant, inspiring surrounding I live in. Wildlife, fascinating cultures and picturesque landscapes are in abundance and vibrant line and watercolor washes are the perfect medium for my expressionist style.
I use a combination of traditional and technical manipulation to maximise the end result. I then execute the final print on the best quality material available.
The fact that they are ‘prints’ does not mean that they are of inferior value. On the contrary, this is part of the expression I am wanting to exploit as the artist. This process is unique and is a c...

Grey High School
Port Elizabeth Art School
Cape Technicon Art School