Gary Benfield was born in Birmingham in 1965. He studied art at Stourbridge College of Art (1982 – 1984) and at Wrexham College of Art (1984 – 1986). In 1986, Benfield became a professional freelance illustrator. After leaving the academic world he set up his own studio near London and concentrated on drawing and painting figures. Within a few years, his work was being collected throughout Europe and his reputation had become firmly established. Today, Benfield’s work enjoys mass global appeal and is collected by art collectors throughout the world.
Benfield has a natural talent for depicting things as seen. His work is spontaneous and is reflected by his drawn lines and dashes of colour. The figures dissolve in and out of their background and move across the paper. He paints rapidly and discards most of his paintings and drawings, keeping only those he feels are perfected in their conception rather than overwork those that he feels are not correct.
Benfield’s paintings represent a discrete world of objects which combine figures, mythology, nature, and still life. Despite the casual appearance of his compositions, all imagery is highly organized, and after long observations one finds the hidden symmetry and beauty beneath the layers of finery.
Gary’s ability to draw and paint virtually all forms including figurative, architectural landscape, still life and equestrian, amazes us all. Gary has now found time to concentrate on building his career in the UK after much success overseas, particularly in America, where he is a well-known star of the art world on land and open seas.
“I cannot remember a time without drawing. It was natural for me as a child to use both my hands when painting and drawing and this ambidexterity has remained with me in my adult life as an artist. I love the beauty of the line and I use these skills to create and transform inert materials into images of beauty and romance.”