Ben is available for demonstrations and lectures in Watercolours.

Ben has always had an interest in Landscape and finds Watercolour the perfect medium for handling in the studio, but more importantly outdoors. He is very much influenced by the great Watercolourists and their methods of tinting colours, blotting and lifting, to produce dramatic, dream like images. Discovering the exact location used by Artists like Turner, Cotman and Thomas Miles Richardson holds a fascination for Ben, it reveals how the landscape has changed or been preserved - "I feel some kind of connection, something in common, when I am painting on the spot where Turner once stood". One of Ben's ambitions is to create Turner's famous sketching trail of the North of England which began in 1816, through to the 21st century eye. Ben specialises in private commissions and travels the country searching out clients' favourite locations, but feels he gets his best inspiration in the landscape and the light of the North. His paintings are held in many private collections in Britain, Europe, Australia and the USA. He has published feature articles and run workshops for the popular 'Artist' magazine.

Ben was born in 1962, and is one of the leading Fine Art Watercolour painters in the North of England. His training began in 1980 at Salford college of Art, moving on to study Fine Art at Northumbria university where he specialised in Watercolour and Steel Plate Etching. He graduated in 1984 and held his first one man show at the Queens Hall Art centre in Hexham.

In 1995 he established the successful Painting Activities in Nature Today Scheme and is pleased to be sponsored by the worlds leading company, Winsor and Newton. His PAINT scheme activities have also received the support in principle of English Heritage and the National Trust. Ben currently teaches painting and drawing to a number of classes at various levels and he also tutors small groups in the UK and abroad on a specialist painting holidays. His studio is at his home in the North Pennines where he lives with his wife Karen and two children.

Details of Bens Courses

What is the PAINT Scheme? The PAINT scheme is a mobile art school run by Ben that provides a weekly programme of painting activities in nature today. It has been developed to encourage artistic skills, participation and appreciation of our National Heritage, Landscape and architecture under the care of an experienced enthusiacstic and qualified artist/Tutor.

The PAINT Scheme is aimed at artists both recreational and professional and is open to all ages. The emphasis is to provide tuition and develop artistic skills direct from nature. The Paint Scheme has the support in principle of English Heritage and the National Trust and is pleased to be sponsered by Winsor and Newton - the World leaders in art materials.

How does a PAINT day run? The following is a typical example of one of the schedules: Location Newton by the sea, Emblton Bay, Northumberland Studio: Embleton Village Hall, Local Community centre Time: 10.00am - 4.30pm 10.00am Group members meet at the Community Centre where refreshments and toilet facilities are provided.

The introduction is followed by a lecture and demonstrations giving useful tips for preparing to sketch and paint outdoors. Equipment and technique will be discussed and any questions you may have will be answered. 11.00am - 4.00pm The group will move to the Embleton Bay, (Only 5 minutes walk away) where there will be 'One to one', friendly expert tuition for the rest of the day. Break for a picnic at around 1.00pm. What if it rains or is too cold to paint outside all day? You will only ever be a few minutes away from the local community centre, hotel or studio which is your base for the day. If the weather is unsuitable, your tutor will provide exciting workshops, a wealth of information and encouragement (And a great window view from most studios!) to give a memorable, enjoyable day in the studio. "Whatever the weather, you will paint for pleasure!" Here re just some of our beautiful locations Dunstable Castle " Craster, Belsay Hall and Gardens, The River North Tyne, Holy Island, Wallington, Gibside, Cragside, Bradley Hall, Newcastle Quayside, The English Lake District, Roman Wall and Fort Landscapes and visits to Art Galleries and Exhibitions.

Prices:

Members: £15 for a full day, £6.50 for special events (4 hours)

Non-Members: £17 for a full day, £8.00 for special events (4 hours)

Large groups (max 16) can be accommodated by arrangement at £85 for members, £100 for non-members