Picture this

WITH more than a hint of nerves, I slide into an empty seat in the auditorium for my first university lecture. I look down the aisle hoping to see a friendly face, but there is no-one I recognise, whi

What paints do you favour and why? I use mostly Golden Heavy Body or Fluid Acrylics. The colour is phenomenal and much stronger than other makes. Mixed media technique is another favourite: I can incl

I knew at a very young age I was an artist. It was a calling for me. I was also fortunate to have a mentor in my teenage years; he was an accomplished artist and professor of art at a local college. H

How do you balance the realistic and stylistic in a painting? I like to combine realistic depictions of a landscape with stylistic flourishes that make it a personal vision. My imagery is a visual dia

I want to pass on my expressive approach to painting still lifes from observation using mixed media. I find this way of working freeing and fun. When a painting is started with an attitude of freedom

Manchester-based Rafael Mamedov discovered painting almost by chance during lockdown – and in doing so, found a fresh creative voice. His canvases are full of bold colour and rich texture, capturing a