Recent work has drawn reference to Welsh culture, globalisation and exploitation.
His 2011 joint exhibition with poet Mike Jenkins used a common political theme, with the traditional coal miners' canary as a symbol of exploitation of the 'little guy', as well as the exploitation of nature.
Similar ecological and socialist themes can also be seen in more recent exhibitions together with his painting "Our Very Own Eco-System" held in the University of South Wales collection, and his cover illustration for Red Poets #19 magazine.

His work is also held in other collections including the Museum of Modern Art Wales' Tabernacle Collection and the Cheltenham & Gloucester building society.

He was elected into The Welsh Group in 2013.

In 2014 he provided the cover art for Welsh alternative rock band "The Joy Formidable" single "Tynnu Sylw " (aka) "Aruthrol B".

In 2018 he provided the cover art for the singles "Can A Song Save Your Life", "Sugar", "Rabbit Hole" and "(W.A.L.L.S.) Within A Little Love Song", following in 2020 by providing the entire album art (a total of 21 paintings) for the album "Working To Design" by Welsh singer-songwriter Anthony Price (under musical pseudonym name "dunkie").
Recent work has drawn reference to Welsh culture, globalisation and exploitation. His 2011 joint exhibition with poet Mike Jenkins used a common political theme, with the traditional coal miners' canary as a symbol of exploitation of the 'little guy', as well as the exploitation of nature. Similar ecological and socialist themes can also be seen in more recent exhibitions together with his painting "Our Very Own Eco-System" held in the University of South Wales collection, and his cover illustration for Red Poets #19 magazine.
His work is also held in other collections including the Museum of Modern Art Wales' Tabernacle Collection and the Cheltenham & Gloucester building society. 
He was elected into The Welsh Group in 2013.
In 2014 he provided the cover art for Welsh alternative rock band "The Joy Formidable" single "Tynnu Sylw " (aka) "Aruthrol B".
In 2018 he provided the cover art for the singles "Can A Song Save Your Life", "Sugar", "Rabbit Hole" and "(W.A.L.L.S.) Within A Little Love Song", following in 2020 by providing the entire album art (a total of 21 paintings) for the album "Working To Design" by Welsh singer-songwriter Anthony Price (under musical pseudonym name "dunkie").
Michael Gustavius Payne