Michael Bedford

Introducing Toronto-based oil painter Michael Bedford. With a background in psychology and neuroscience, Michael paints the inner world. He holds the tension between beauty and loneliness. What draws us in is his traditional technique set against modern compositions.

His subject matter varies, but he often lands on still life, florals, everyday objects and figures, often alone in quiet interiors.

Thick strokes, rich colour, his brushwork is confident and expressive, yet articulated. His palette is dark and earthen, with umber and olive undertones, making it feel old-world and nostalgic while also present and real. His handling of the figure comes across in simplified, minimal figures, built from economical strokes that capture anatomy beautifully.

Light and shadow are not just visual elements he renders. They are themes themselves. His work explores the push and pull of the inner and outer life and depicts this dissonance with striking simplicity.

There is a realism in his work that invites the viewer to enter in and observe their own thoughts and position in relation to the work: where am I, who am I? That inner dialogue continues to guide Bedford as he explores the human psyche through his work.

His work is lived in, earthy, expressive and nostalgic. It feels real to the human experience, not shying away from the shadow side of reality while keeping in view its beauty and simplicity.

Michael Bedford is new to Koyman Galleries. We invite you to step into the mind of Bedford in person at the gallery, or explore available works online.