The Somerset art community and local residents have come together to pay heartfelt tributes to Mike Jackson, a cherished artist renowned for his vibrant and whimsical paintings. Mike passed away on 14 April 2026 at the age of 63 after a brave battle with kidney cancer.
Having made South Petherton his home since 1998, Mike became a well-known and loved figure in Wells, South Petherton, and Yeovil. His unique watercolour and acrylic paintings—featuring playful animals, quirky houses, ocean scenes, and boats—captured the imagination of many and were showcased in galleries such as Acorn Gallery, Cove Gallery, Haddon Galleries, Trident Gallery, and Gallery 5. His art gained a loyal following through local markets, word of mouth, and gallery exhibitions.
Born in Manchester in 1962, Mike grew up in a close-knit working-class family. Though he left school with few qualifications, his passion for art was undeniable. Initially training as a butcher, Mike transitioned through various careers before embracing graphic design and eventually following his heart as a watercolour artist. A friend’s encouragement led him to explore acrylics, which he came to love despite being self-taught.
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Mike’s artistic journey was never conventional. He believed learning through mistakes shaped his unique style and allowed him to develop his own technique. The move to Somerset in 1999 profoundly influenced his creative inspiration, with the region’s colours and countryside sounds fueling his imagination.
Family played a significant role in Mike’s life and art. He drew inspiration from his youthful romance with his wife and aimed to capture the ups and downs of relationships in his character-driven paintings. He admired LS Lowry, partly for the personal connection through his grandfather, and found creative sparks during drives when quirky ideas took shape.
His son shared, “My dad saw the world through a colourful, quirky lens and always found beauty in the everyday. He inspired everyone around him and his passing has touched many hearts.” Mike’s wife remembered him as “the kindest, most caring and loyal husband,” while his daughter called him “a personal inspiration” and “my very best friend.” Grandchildren fondly recall his patient teaching of watercolours and consider him “the perfect role model.”
In his final days, Mike spoke of experiencing peace and visions of heaven, bringing comfort to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, creativity, and inspiration, as well as a loving family, steadfast friendships, and a devoted community of collectors.