MIKE HOPE as he signs his work first started painting at school where he won an open exhibition from Selfridges store for under 16 year olds.

After leaving school he did his national service in the RAF and then joined his cousin and formed a comedy Double act - Hope & Keen.

During a summer season in Cornwall Mike enlisted in the St Ives School of painting, later whilst working in the USA he took a BFA course at Stockton State University there he won first prize for all eastern seaboard universities in still life painting.

His comedy performing has taken him around the world and given him openings to exhibit as far afield as Peurto Rico Hong Kong Nassau Philadelphia Toronto and here at home in the UK.

He has been commissioned for portrait paintings for such stars as John Inman, Paul Nicolas, Frankie Vaughan, Jess Conrad and Joe Longthorne.

Last year Mike won the Presidents prize at the Towner Gallery at Eastbourne.

After 50 years in show business Mike is still working globally on cruise ships and never leaves home without his paints and sketch book.