Passionate artist Ben holds his first solo exhibition
LANDSCAPES in the Bourne area are packed with vibrant colours, according to a Bourne painter who is exhibiting his work.
Ben Connell (38), of Delaine Close, promises lots of fun with bright paintings and drawings at his Play in Colour exhibition currently on show at Stamford Arts Centre.
Local images in his artwork collection include the Abbey Lawn, Bourne Eau, Wellhead Park and scenery in villages such as Haconby, Edeham, Kirkby Underwood, Carlby and Grimsthorpe.
Other works of art include different areas of Lincolnshire as well as pictures of dart players and seascapes.
Ben also likes painting at the Bourne Outdoor Pool in the summer.
He said: “The rippling water is beautiful. I have so much work that some will be going on digital screens in the exhibition.”
Ben is a part-time cinema projectionist at the arts centre, as well as being a freelance graphic designer, and draws inspiration when he is working in the booth showing films.
He said: “I draw film characters from the screen when I’m in the projection room.”
It does not matter where Ben is, he always finds new ways of painting too.
He lives with girlfriend Michelle Wheatley (29) and they are expecting their first child together.
When Michelle is driving, Ben likes to draw scenery from the passenger seat of the car.
He said: “I draw whatever is going by – like birds, cards and trees. I usually end up with a picture showing a stream of trees.”
One day Ben would love to be known as a professional painter and hopes to sell some of his work during the exhibition to make his mark on the world of art.
He said his work is worth seeing because it is exciting and added: “It would be nice to do this as a career. It is a lovely way of spending time.”
Ben’s other interests lie in gardening and cooking.
He said he feels the need to be doing something physical work-wise.
His dad was a farmer and Ben thinks that having grown up on a farm, he has become fond of being outdoors.
He may enjoy creating pieces of art from almost anything, but he said there is nothing better than sitting back and taking in picturesque scenery and putting pen, pencil, pastel or paintbrush to paper.
He said: “Landscapes are lovely to paint or draw. You get such a buzz from it. You feel so good when you have been out for hours and experience the journey and celebration of that place. Pictures are a record of that landscape.
“You look at whatever place you are in without judging it. I love exploring places visually. None of my work is done in a studio. It is all done live and not from photographs.”
Ben’s love of the art world came from his mother Anita Connell, who used to live in Bourne but has since moved to Wales.
He said: “I think she is a better painter than me. She has won an art competition in Peterborough before.”
It was at the age of 15 that Ben really became interested in art. He said his art teacher Graham Underhill at Bourne Grammar School inspired him in a big way.
Ben said: “He was a good influence.”
Ben went on to study foundation at Lincoln College of Art specialising in graphics, before going to the prestigious London College of Printing.
Work by famous artists such as Picasso, Hockney and Van Gogh is great, but Ben also likes art by people who are less-skilled.
He said: “I like painters who are not that skilled because their seems to be some character and personality in there work, whereas skilled painters work to a formula.”
Ben is positive about his love of creating art and said it is a brilliant thing to do on many levels.
He added: “It is uplifting, meditative and makes you feel good.”
Nerves are flying about for Ben as he experiences his first solo exhibition.
He said: “I don’t know whether people will like my work or not, but you have got to have an open mind and then you can explore what is in the pictures.
“My work is lively and playful and I think good things come out of play. I have a lot of fun with it.”
l The exhibition is at Stamford Arts Centre now until March 21 on Mondays to Saturdays from 9.30am to 8pm. It is also open one hour before all Sunday shows. Entry is free.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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