Step into the world of Michael Blooman, ARCA-trained painter and printmaker, whose work captures the drama and beauty of Maldon’s maritime heritage. From the towering rudders and decorated transoms of Thames Sailing Barges to the iconic steam tug Brent, Blooman’s vivid watercolours and bold linocuts bring the river alive.
Painter printmaker Michael Blooman, ARCA trained at the Royal College of Art. His work is featured in the book ‘Fifty Treasures of Essex’ published by the ‘Arts Society’ Essex area.
He will be exhibiting at the Maeldune Heritage Centre in Maldon from Friday 3rd October to 21st October. Michael has lived near Maldon for many years and he has been captivated by the Sailing Barges. Ropes, pulley blocks, rowing boats hooked to davits, massive rudders, decorated transoms, leeboards, the steam tug Brent seen with a huge fender on its bow – all these images attracted his eye in watercolours and in three large multiple colour block linocuts (limited edition original prints) and were printed on his Albion Press which dates from the 1850s. One is published by Art Angels cards.
Michael now lives in Lyme Regis where he has created linocuts of the Jurassic Coast and one is in the collection of the Lyme Regis Museum. Recent work includes a linocut of ‘The Iron Bridge’ in Shropshire and watercolours in Italy. He returns regularly to sketch in Maldon.
Michael Blooman trained at the Royal College of Art and afterwards lectured at Maidstone College of Art and taught at Brentwood School.
