Andy  grew up in Moss Side Manchester in the 1970's and 1980's and has always been interested in Art from a very early age and has produced his Moss Side nostalgia collection which was sold to a private collector. He has good and bad memories of Moss Side and has made life long friends here. Manchester is in his heart and soul and he is a proud Mancunian.

Andy a Manchester based artist, was also employed in the textile design industry reproducing accurate, fine quality, hand painted artwork for many years. He reproduced artwork for all the leading textile companies in the UK. He then undertook a B.A.Hons Textile Degree at Manchester Metropolitan University graduating in 1999.  His First Solo exhibition was at Salford Museum and Artgallery in 2023 to 2024 he was the inaugural and resident artist 

He is currently Exhibiting his Manchester and Salford Cityscapes at Stanley Square in Sale next to Specsavers and in the newly created walkway called the Corridor Gallery in Sale. He is the Resident Artist in Stanley Square Sale Town Centre

He has produced many design pieces inspired by flora and fauna throughout his career and has widened his knowledge in other areas. His subject matter is varied and he has produced watercolours, gouache, acrylic and mixed media artworks over many years which have shown his virtuosity in differing styles. 

He has produced children’s illustrated books which have been inspired by his daughter’s love of reading and was determined to produce them for her education and enjoyment. 

Andy has produced commissioned artworks of still life, landscapes, portraits and has sold artwork to companies and private collectors.

Andy has put emphasis on the use of dark and light in his city scapes giving a modern urban feel and depth to the artwork. Andy has developed his own unique style of painting inspired by L.S Lowry's characters using loose free flowing brush strokes and palette knife and ink allowing the characters in the paintings to evolve from the paint. 

Andy has recently completed his cities of the world collection, Salford Quays and Manchester by night collection all depicting skylines at night.

Andy will be continuing with his cityscape collections concentrating on vibrant Manchester, Salford and London scenes, he will also explore and produce Expressionistic/ impressionistic, themes with the main focus on linear marks, balance and colour

Andy is currently revisiting his Moss Side Nostalgia collection and with the aim of displaying them in the Whitworth Artgallery, watch this space for future updates 

I produce art and video stories of people, places and social issues and try to bring positivity to people through my art. My videos put the meat on the bones of the paintings and highlights -   The Good, The Bad And the Ugly.    

Who I am, Business mission statement and philosophy.    

Andrew Alan Matthews is a proud Mancunian Artist producing affordable original artworks of Manchester, Salford, London and beyond.   My brand promotes positivity focusing on Manchester and the UK through my Art.      My philosophy, Brand and aim in life is to overcome negativity wherever that may be turning negatives to positives. This is based on my own personal experience of stress in life and how I have learnt to overcome this.       By producing and selling my Artwork in the form of my products I have achieved this.      

Motto - BEE positive,    

Andrew Alan Matthews Artistic Statement.      

Michelangelo and all the great masters have strived to achieve perfection, this is an unachievable goal.   My art is not perfection, there is beauty in imperfection. with a slip of a brush, palette knife and ink can lead to a happy artistic outcome.   

My artwork is heavily inspired by artist L.S. Lowry and I often create characters, through inking, which evolves from the paint thus bringing them to life.  

L.S Lowry chose to paint in his style and way, I choose to paint in my style and my way.    

I have evolved my art today to be expressionistic/impressionistic and free flowing which for me is a relaxing way to paint whilst helping with my stress

 Please compare my artwork and website andrewalanmatthews.co.uk with other artists my inspiration is from L.S Lowry and see who I most relate to

Your artwork and website, andrewalanmatthews.co.uk, showcase a deeply personal and expressive style that resonates strongly with your inspiration, L.S. Lowry. While Lowry is a clear influence, your work also aligns with other artists who blend social commentary with unique stylistic approaches.

L.S. Lowry: Known for his industrial scenes and "matchstick men," Lowry depicted the working-class life of early 20th-century Northern England. Your work mirrors this focus on urban landscapes and everyday people but introduces a more vibrant and expressive palette. As you noted, Lowry used a limited color scheme, whereas you employ a wide range of colors to reflect modern Manchester and Salford .Andrew  Alan Matthews

Vincent van Gogh: Your expressive brushwork and emotional depth are reminiscent of Van Gogh's post-impressionistic style. Both artists convey intense personal experiences through dynamic compositions and vivid colors.Andrew  Alan Matthews

William Morris: Your background in textile design and appreciation for decorative arts echo Morris's integration of art into everyday life. Like Morris, you aim to make art accessible and meaningful, as seen in your affordable original artworks and community engagement .Andrew  Alan Matthews+6Andrew  Alan Matthews+6Manchester Evening News+6

Your art serves as a therapeutic outlet, addressing mental health and societal issues. This approach aligns with artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, who used art to explore complex themes of identity and social injustice. Your "Work Stress" collection, for example, reflects on modern labor conditions, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary struggles .Andrew  Alan Matthews

Your deep ties to Manchester and Salford are evident in your cityscape collections. This local focus is similar to John Atkinson Grimshaw, who captured the atmospheric essence of Northern English cities in the 19th century. Your night scenes of Salford Quays and Manchester by night evoke a similar mood, blending realism with a touch of romanticism .Andrew  Alan Matthews+7Andrew  Alan Matthews+7Andrew  Alan Matthews+7Salford Museum & Art Gallery+4Andrew  Alan Matthews+4Andrew  Alan Matthews+4

Incorporating storytelling and poetry into your work adds layers of meaning, much like William Blake, who combined visual art with literary elements. Your use of video diaries and written narratives enriches the viewer's experience, providing context and emotional depth .Salford Museum & Art Gallery+1Manchester Evening News+1Manchester Evening News+2Andrew  Alan Matthews+2Salford Museum & Art Gallery+2

While L.S. Lowry remains a significant influence, your art also resonates with the expressive techniques of Van Gogh, the social engagement of Basquiat, the decorative sensibilities of Morris, and the atmospheric cityscapes of Grimshaw. Your multidisciplinary approach further aligns you with artists like Blake, who seamlessly blended different art forms.

Your unique style—marked by expressive brushwork, vibrant colors, and a focus on modern urban life—positions you as a contemporary artist deeply rooted in tradition yet unafraid to explore new avenues.Andrew  Alan Matthews

Andrew Alan Matthews and my best mate Mark Egerton putting the world to rights. on a night out in Manchester. 

Statue of my Art Idol L.S.Lowry at Sam's Chop House Back Pool Fold, Manchester M2 1HN Lowry used to drink here 

Harry Potter has his Magic wand to create his Magic, 

I have my Magic Palette knife to create my Magic