Mick Cawston (1959-2006) – The Second Exhibition

28th March – 31st May 2026

Doone Valley Gallery are delighted to present our second exhibitions of paintings, drawings and sculpture by Mick Cawston.

Mick Cawston needs little introduction to the inhabitants of Exmoor – the National Park where Doone Valley Gallery is picturesquely situated. His work can be seen in many local Inns and Public Houses, as murals in The Rockford Inn and Crown Hotel, Lynton and as paintings and prints adorning the walls of The Staghunters. Mick Cawston was a self taught artist who went on to become one of the leading sporting and wildlife painters of his generation.

Mick Cawston was best known for his highly detailed and emotionally resonant paintings of animals as well as his witty and highly sought-after anthropomorphic works.

Largely self-taught, Cawston dedicated himself to observing animals closely, whether domestic, wild, or working animals, and translating those observations into meticulously crafted compositions. His paintings are notable not only for their accuracy but also for their quiet narrative quality – often suggesting a story or relationship beyond the frame. Rather than idealising his subjects, he portrayed them with honesty, dignity, and individuality.

Throughout his career, Cawston exhibited widely and earned strong recognition from collectors and critics alike. His work found its way into both private and public collections, reflecting the broad appeal of his art across the UK and internationally. He was especially admired for his draughtsmanship and his ability to capture texture, light, and expression with remarkable control.

Mick Cawston passed away in 2006 at the age of 47. Despite his relatively short life, he left behind a substantial body of work that continues to be celebrated for its craftsmanship and emotional depth. Today, he is remembered as a significant figure amongst British wildlife painters, his paintings continue to connect viewers to the animal world with empathy and respect.