Ian Poulton and Michael Evans are both graduates from the Slade School of Fine Art (UCL) but in different decades. The Slade tradition placed a high value on observational drawing either for its own sake or as the foundation of painting, sculpture and printmaking.

Michael and Ian have in common an approach to painting which is figurative and perceptual aiming to discover the visual drama of the ordinary.

Michael Evans studied sculpture and then painting at the Slade School. He learned to draw with great difficulty. Later as a mature student he studied printmaking with Edward Bawden. He has shown paintings and lino-cuts at several Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions. Michael has enjoyed designing and making furniture and silver jewellery, and is passionate about art history, design and architecture.

Ian Poulton studied for a Fine Art degree at Chelsea School of Art and a Higher Diploma at the Slade School, where he worked in the figurative studios painting and drawing from the model.

Since leaving Art School in 1982 he has taught part-time and continues to paint from observation, using subject matter that for him suggests aspects of mood.