Ben Payne was born in Surrey in 1975. He began drawing portraits and painting whilst studying for his art A-level at Kings College in Wimbledon. What started as a hobby for Ben, when he began selling his work at 16, has now developed into a wonderful talent that is constantly maturing and changing into atmospheric and innovative works of art.
Ben's degree from Southampton University is a world apart from his artistic life, yet the influence of his academic and professional background can be observed in his art. After graduating in Psychology he became an independent therapist and pursued a career in the field of Autism, working with young children, helping them to overcome their difficulties in communicating with the outside world. Whilst pursuing this career he continued painting in his spare time, teaching himself and extending his range into oils.
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 works an ethereal quality.
