Carl BouMansour born 30 March 1976 is of mixed English/Lebanese origin. He studied biochemistry, flirting with the idea of biological illustration but felt this would compromise both his loves. In 1996, he began studying illustration to hone his skills as a figurative painter. His biological studies added a depth of understanding to the human figures that are prevalent in his work.

Since graduating, he has been working as a portrait artist, painting cityscapes for a small corporate client base and lecturing on human anatomy and life drawing.

In 2002, with backing from the Princes Trust and Luton & Dunstable Arts Council, he organised and managed the “TURF Art, Music & Film Festival”, a two-week event in his home town, Luton. Conceived in 2001 as a showcase for local talent, 2002 saw TURF take on artists and filmmakers from across the globe.

Most of Carl’s works are acrylic on canvas, though he can turn his hand to most 2-D media, full colour or monotone. His images primarily illustrate modern ideals of beauty, though social and personal commentaries, made using a delicate language of symbols. Intellectual content does not over-ride the evocation of poetic mood. Much of his recent works depict single figures in nebulous landscapes. These are emotional responses, more representative of the figures emotions rather than physical settings. Stylistically he describes his work as Acid Realism, “Inspired by the brilliance of the renaissance artist, and adulterated by the trash glamour of modern media.”

Carl recent appeared in a BBC docu-drama “D-Day” producing sketches for and acting in the role of war artist Albert Richards.

He has work in private collections in England, Germany, USA, France and Lebanon and is featured in corporate collections in England and Russia.

Carl's paintings form an integral part of many significant international collections.