1959 – 2006
Mick Cawston was an acclaimed English wildlife artist, renowned for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of dogs and other animals in his paintings. Born in Dagenham, Essex, Cawston displayed a talent for art from a young age. His father worked as an interpreter for the police, translating sign language for the deaf and mute. Mick’s artistic journey began early; he won his first exhibition at the age of seven while attending Robert Clack Comprehensive School.
After leaving school, Cawston trained as a cabinet maker before enlisting in the army, where he served for three years, including a six-month tour in Northern Ireland. Following his military service, he worked as a motorcycle messenger in London. This job allowed him to save enough money to spend a few months touring Europe, further fueling his passion for art.
Upon returning from Europe, Cawston spent six months sketching portraits of children on the streets of Covent Garden for £3 each. His talent caught the attention of a London silversmith who employed him to design silverware, primarily for the Arab market. Despite the intrigue of this work, Cawston’s true passion lay elsewhere.
He moved to a small cottage on a farm in Burnham-on-Crouch, returning to selling his artwork on the streets, this time for £18 per drawing. Struggling to make a living, he began painting seriously in oils in early 1987. By mid-1987, he was discovered by Sally Mitchell, and by the end of the year, his first two limited edition prints were published. This marked the beginning of his ascent as one of the country’s top-selling published artists, attracting a strong following among country-lovers.
Cawston’s work is often compared to that of renowned artists John Emms and Maude Earl. He excelled in oils, watercolors, and pastels, and his ability to capture the character and likeness of dogs made his paintings highly sought after. He was recognized five times in the Fine Art Trade Guild survey as one of the top-selling artists, winning the title in 1998.
In 1996, Cawston celebrated the publication of his 200th print, “Wildlife 200,” a composite of British wildlife. This painting was featured in a children’s competition by the national magazine Shooting Times, challenging young readers to name all the animals depicted. The original oil painting was donated to the Animal Health Trust and successfully auctioned for £3,000.
Cawston’s talent earned him numerous accolades. He was featured in Gundogs magazine in 1996 as one of the leading dog artists. His works adorned the covers of many magazines, and his first exhibition at the Society of Equestrian Artists in London earned him the award for best newcomer with only the second horse painting he had ever done. The following year, he was awarded full membership.
Mick Cawston’s original paintings are part of collections worldwide, including in Sweden, Australia, Kenya, Japan, America, much of Europe, and England. His sudden death in 2006 was a great loss to his family, friends, collectors, and the art community. Cawston’s legacy lives on through his captivating and timeless artworks, which continue to inspire and enchant admirers around the globe.
