About Michael Youds
Michael Youds is an award-winning, artist based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specialising in portraits. Michael was awarded third place at the BP Portrait Award 2020 for ‘Labour of Love’.
The judges thought that this portrait was both poignant and funny. It definitely struck a chord as an allegory for a time and place that already feels nostalgic. It is a fascinating evocation of a particular male identity, for whom collecting is a passion and a way of life. The meticulous execution of the work also serves as a metaphor for the scene.
Originally from Blackburn, Lancashire, Mr Youds gained a first-class degree in Fine Art from Lancaster University before moving to Edinburgh in 2007. His work has previously been selected for the Royal Scottish Academy and Visual Arts Scotland exhibitions.
Michael is available for commissions and some previous work includes a portrait done for ex-MP Jack Straw and John Leighton, Director General of the National Galleries of Scotland, for which he received a highly commended award from the De Laszlo Foundation, at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ annual exhibition in London. He also has paintings in the Walter Scott Investment company’s art collection.
Michael Youds won the Scottish Portrait Award in Fine Art for his painting of himself and his twin brother. The winning portrait of Mr Youds and his twin brother David, entitled I was Blue, He was Red, was inspired by a photograph taken when they were babies. The artist explained that his parents used to dress them in red or blue so they could tell them apart.
The twins are both big fans of David Hockney, and Michael in particular drew inspiration from the double portraits Hockney painted early on in his career. By chance, his brother David picked up the book by chance when the photos were being taken.
Michael would love to hear from you to discuss his art work, inspirations and availability.
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1982 Born in Blackburn, Lancashire
2005 Graduated from Lancaster University with a first class BA Hons degree in Fine Arts and Integrated Media- awarded the Agnes Eccles award for most promising artist
2007 Moved to Edinburgh
2009 Royal Scottish Academy Annual exhibition
2011 Visual Art Scotland exhibition
2012 Royal Scottish Academy Open exhibition
2014 Royal Scottish Academy Open exhibition
2014 Two paintings added to the Walter Scott investment company’s art collection
2015 Group exhibition at Marchmont Gallery, Edinburgh
2016 Visual Art Scotland Fly Exhibition, Edinburgh
2017 Selected for The Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ Annual Exhibition, London
2017 Received a Highly Commended Award from the De Laszlo Foundation
2017 Royal Scottish Academy Open exhibition
2018 Selected for The Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ Annual Exhibition, London
2018 Royal Scottish Academy Open Exhibition
2018 Artist’s at work, Scottish National Gallery
2019 Visual Arts Scotland Alight Exhibition Edinburgh
2019 Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition. Edinburgh
2019-20 Selected for the Scottish Portrait Awards, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Kirkcudbright
2019 1st prize Scottish Portrait Awards
2020 3rd place for the BP Portrait Award 2020
2020-21 Shortlisted for the Scottish Portrait Awards, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Baniff
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In the News:
BP Portrait Award 2020 – Labour of Love
BP Portrait Award 2020 Shortlist Announced
Edinburgh artist Michael Youds wins top prize at Scottish Portrait Awards
Winner: Michael Youds, ‘I was Blue, He was Red’
Art gallery attendant wins Scottish Portrait Award for twins painting
Artist Michael puts MP on canvas (From Lancashire Telegraph)
The Annual Portrait Painters’ Exhibition, London 2017 & 2018
