Ben Payne
Ben Payne has built a reputation for creating artwork, which is fresh, escapist and above all, uplifting. Born in Surrey in 1975, he began drawing portraits and painting as a hobby; by the age of 16 he was selling his work, and he has now developed into a major British talent. Although he is almost completely self-taught Ben is able to respond to challenges and create artwork that is both technically accomplished and highly accessible.
Ben’s high-impact land, sky and seascapes are inspired by the British coastline. He owes an artistic debt to a range of artists, in particular Turner and Whistler. Their influence can be seen in the way he captures the appearance of clouds with such delicacy, while employing a vivid and dramatic palette - a characteristic which lends his work an ethereal quality.
His powerful paintings display a certain innocence, which somehow sets them part from the work of his contemporaries. While his subjects are realistic they often have dreamlike overtones, rendering them an intriguing combination of enchantment and sophistication.
