Mike Bernard trained at the West Surrey College of Art and Design, Farnham, followed by post-graduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools. He now lives and works near Petersfield, Hampshire, where he also teaches classes and workshops.

Mike enjoys experimenting with media and techniques in his paintings, often using mixed media incorporating collage and acrylics. He tries to develop exciting textures and concentrates on the effects of light, combining these into original semi-abstract images of landscapes, seascapes, street scenes, still life and figurative compositions. He often restricts his palette to give his works a unity that the variety of surface and composite elements resist. It is testament to his individual vision and mastery of these techniques that his finished works maintain a legible topography while his freedom of material fully allows his very personal expression.

He has exhibited with the RA Summer Exhibition, at the Mall Galleries, the Royal Festival Hall and many other galleries in London and the provinces. He has also gained awards and prizes for his paintings, including the Stowells Trophy and the Silver Longboat Award. Mike was elected a member of the RI in 1997 and at the 1999 RI Exhibition at the Mall Galleries he was awarded the Kingsmead Gallery Award.