It is with great pleasure and delight that York Fine Arts congratulates contemporary artist Michael John Ashcroft on his recent election as an Associate member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI).
Founded in 1882 and granted royal status in 1909, the ROI aims to uphold the timeless tradition of oil painting and nurture the outstanding oil painters of the future. Firmly grounded in a tradition of excellence, artists who have previously shown with the society include Alma Tadema, Dame Laura Knight and even Rodin. Though it encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques, only artists whose work aligns with the high standards of quality valued by the Institute are eligible for membership.
The ROI is confined to roughly 65 elected members, including many of the country’s leading oil painters and several Royal Academicians. To achieve membership, an artist must have shown work at least three times in the Institute’s annual exhibition and be put forward by the Institute’s selection committee as a potential member. Should the artist then succeed in receiving support from at least 50% of members, Associate membership is awarded, giving the artist 5 years to achieve full membership status.
Of Michael’s election as an Associate member, York Fine Arts Gallery Manager Deanna Dawkins said:
“Watching Michael grow and evolve as an artist over the years has been an absolute delight, so I could not be happier to see him awarded this great honour by one of the most prestigious societies in Britain’s artistic heritage. Contagiously passionate, hardworking and with a style and vision all his own, Michael never ceases to dedicate his full self to an authentic, emotive translation of the world around him. From his immersive plein air paintings to his more detailed studio pieces, Michael’s work demonstrates a superior standard of excellence across the board. Every bit as robust as the oils he works with, Michael John Ashcroft will no doubt continue to go from strength to strength in what is bound to be a successful and long-lasting legacy.”
To find out more about Michael John Ashcroft or view his available work, visit his artist page or read a previous feature, ‘Michael John Ashcroft: A Name to Remember’.
