Thank you Alan, Janet and Tessa, it is good to hear other artists views. So many of us work in isolation and seldom get have an opportunity to discuss any aspect of our own or others work. I don't dislike or denigrate abstract art Janet. Indeed when I was "told" that I had to produce such works to complete my Foundation course at Falmouth many years ago, my grumpiness turned to interest once I'd had a go! We still have the results on our walls here at home. It's the dismissive attitudes towards what I love to paint that prompted my minor grumble. Galleries are having a tough time I know. Business rates and public unease over the debacle of the "B" word add to their woes. Some though have only themselves to blame. There are some that simply do not seem to want people to walk through their doors - the atmosphere is not welcoming or inviting. "Lets sit behind a big desk and look aloof" seems to be the mind set. Good luck with that. On holiday in Wyoming years ago we went to several galleries in Jackson Hole. The western and wildlife art on display was stunning and very expensive. However the welcome couldn't have been more different. Easy conversations, offers of coffee, well informed opinions and altogether a joy to be there. Just wish there was more of this in the UK. Enough Babble. Thanks again for taking the time to comment and for your encouraging remarks.

Michael, I’ve just looked at your gallery and you have posted a range of wonderful paintings all showing great skill and knowledge of subject. I try to visit a lot of varied galleries and know what you mean about abstract and non realistic art. I don’t know how or if most of it sells, but there must be a place for traditional painting and hopefully your gallery serves you well. As you say keep b....on!

Quite a few galleries seem to be shutting down all over the place. Makes you wonder why! Maybe Jo Public doesn't like what's on offer? Not everybody lives in a Hofhaus or a modern London apartment. Just look at the number of paintings downloaded to Painters-online and note that the greatest proportion of 'likes' goes to …. traditional work - maybe a bit biased towards pets - but work such as yours illustrated here must have got a lot of hits: sorry, haven't checked the gallery yet. Personally, I DO like abstracts and so-called 'contemporary' art and aspire to create it, but am in a minority and my work doesn't get the 'likes' it used to when I did 'traditional' stuff. Wish I could have produced this picture!

You are producing some excellent work Michael, and any gallery is fortunate to have you on board. But I do understand what you're getting at, there does seem to be a trend for more contemporary painting in general. It's not across the board though, there are still galleries and buyers of say more 'traditional' art out there. I include my own work in that category although I do work in a slightly looser style. Your paintings are full of atmosphere and interest, so keep it going!