“Mike was the kindest, most caring and loyal husband, as well as a wonderful father and grandfather. He was my soul mate.”
Tributes have been paid following the death of Mike Jackson, a much-loved Somerset artist whose colourful, quirky paintings made him a familiar and admired figure across the county(Image: Western Gazette)
Tributes have been paid following the death of Mike Jackson, a much-loved Somerset artist whose colourful, quirky paintings made him a familiar and admired figure across the county.
Mike died on 14 April 2026, aged 63, after kidney cancer. He lived in South Petherton from 1998 until 2026 and became especially well known in Wells, South Petherton and Yeovil, where his work built a loyal following through markets, galleries and word of mouth.
Known for his bright and distinctive style, Mike painted everything from quirky houses and playful animals to boats and ocean scenes, most often in his favourite medium of watercolour. His work was displayed and sold in galleries including Acorn Gallery, Cove Gallery, Haddon Galleries, Trident Gallery and Gallery 5.
Originally from Manchester, Mike was loved not only for his talent but for his warmth, humour and kindness. His family said he saw the world in a joyful and unconventional way, always finding beauty in the everyday. Mike wrote on his website: “Born in 1962 to a working class Manchester family, I grew up in a warm family surrounding with honest values. I left school with few qualifications but with a great love of art.
A painting by Mike Jackson, a much-loved Somerset artist who died on April 14, 2026(Image: Western Gazette)
“However, I was encouraged to learn a trade so ‘I would always have something to fall back on’. I became a Butcher. After a wide and varied career path I eventually pursued the artistic path and became a Graphic Designer. I bought the various computer packages along with an Apple Mac and taught myself. I was lucky enough to gain access into the Commercial Art world and I stayed there, learning from mistakes and increasing in knowledge and experience for about 12 years.
“Meantime I was developing my illustration skills and learning different medias until I felt I was good enough to sell some of my paintings. For years after that I concentrated on perfecting my watercolour skills and felt that this was the path for me. I was quite a successful watercolour artist for many years and was pushed by a friend who has a gallery in Somerset to try out acrylics. This I did, and to my surprise I absolutely loved them. I have no formal training in art so I have had to learn by my own mistakes, yet I would have it no other way as I feel that this is the best way of developing your own technique. I am married with two fabulous children and one grandson, who all keep my feet on the ground.
“We moved to Somerset in 1999 which was fabulous for my artistic inspiration, as the colours and the local sounds of the country really help to free up my mind.”
He added: “I am inspired really by my family, and the way my wife and I were when we were teenagers. We were a pair of romantics and always endeavoured to keep our relationship fun! I try to depict this in my little characters. In most relationships there are sad times as well as happy times; this will show in my character as my work develops. I was greatly inspired by LS Lowry, influenced mainly because he was a friend of my grandfather. My ideas come mainly when I am out driving, and thinking about quirky little images to paint.
“I wish I could say that they come easily, but they don’t! It really is hard work, in fact that is probably harder than putting the painting together. I tend to draw hundreds of little sketches when I get an idea in my head, and then try to develop two or three of the best sketches.”
(Image: Western Gazette)
In a tribute, his son said: “My dad was an inspiring man. He saw the world in colourful, quirky ways, always finding beauty in the ordinary. He touched the hearts of everyone he met, and we have been overwhelmed by the loving messages we have received. We are comforted in knowing he is now at peace with God.”
His wife said: “Mike was the kindest, most caring and loyal husband, as well as a wonderful father and grandfather. He was my soul mate.”
His daughter described him as “a personal inspiration” in her own art and “my very best friend”, while his grandchildren said he taught them watercolours and was “the perfect role model.”
His family have also taken comfort from the peace Mike spoke of before his death, including visions of heaven which meant a great deal to those closest to him.
Mike leaves behind his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as many friends, collectors and admirers across Somerset and beyond.
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