Ben at work (Photo courtesy of Caroline Evans)
I only paint for nice people.
(Photo from last year's Art Works Perth event courtesy of Mike Flynn)
Ben's latest works:
View from the House - see Perth and area
A House in the Country - see Perth and area
Peggy's Clouds - see Down East
The barge and the Bridge - see Perth and area
Atlantic Sunset - see Perth and area
The Big Chair - see Perth and area
All that remained - see Perth and area
Another tree gone - see Perth and area
Michael's Table Patio - see Perth and area
Contemplating the Forest - see British Columbia
The Eyes have it - see Perth and area
The Leaning Tower of Zealand - see Perth and area
View from the deck - see Kawartha Lakes
Short Cut - Fifth - see Perth and area I actually did five impressions of this image - link here to see all five plus the original image
Canal water power - see Perth and area
Bowes heritage - see Perth and area
Short Cut - First - see Perth and area
Short cut - Second - see Perth and area
Short cut - Third - see Perth and area
Tay Basin Still Life - see Perth and area
Sunshine in the Glade- see Perth and area
The Face is Familiar- see Perth and area
A word about my "van Gogh people".
If you stare long enough at Vincent's amazing Cafe Terrace at Night,
featuring one of his famous "starry, starry nights",
you'll note the figures of a man and a woman on the right hand side,
seemingly approaching the cafe. But if you look carefully,
it appears they are headed in opposite directions and are about to collide.
Anyway, the idea of introducing what amounts to almost stick figures
to add some action was an inspiration for me and I have featured them in various works since.
(Yes, it's an affectation, but it's lots of fun.)
The two figures and the server in the O'Reilly's painting are both pretty sketchy.
The man and woman have evolved over time and are now clearly both headed in the same direction
- and in a bit of a hurry, in some cases.
Meanwhile, back to the paintings.....
The paintings below are grouped by area.
Perth and area
Guelph
British Columbia
Down East
The Ottaouais
Kawartha Lakes
United Kingdom
Spain
Contact Ben here.
Please note: prices DO NOT include delivery/shipping if required.
View from the House, acrylic, 24 x 24 $320
A House in the Country, Acrylic.20 x 16 Private collection
The Barge and the Bridge - inspired by the old, long-disused bridge over the Rideau Canal at Smith's Falls, and a nod to my man Vincent Acrylic.20 x 16 $295
Atlantic Sunset - not exactly Perth, I realize, but painted here from a photo taken from the Queen Mary, no less...Acrylic.24 x 20 Private collection.
The Big Chair - a big tourist attraction in the Tay Basin parking lot behind the Studio Theatre. Acrylic.16 x 20 $295
All that remained - this was all that remained after the historic Red House on Craig Street was recently taken down (to be reassembled later it is hoped). In fact, the site has now been completely cleared Acrylic.15 x 30 $345
Another tree gone - this huge tree at Isabella and Drummond streets was taken down last year and now all that remains is the stump. Acrylic. 12 x 24 $245
Michael's Table Patio - same idea as the (former) O''Reilly's patio painting (see way down below..) with less Van Gogh influence and more Impressionistic style. Acrylic 16 x 20 On display at Michael's Table.
The Eyes have it - a companion painting to The Face is Familiar (see below).
I was copying a few old masters' paintings - or at least parts of them. These are the 'top halves" of Girl with an Earring, Lady with an Ermine and the Mona Lisa.
Acrylic 18" x 36 acrylic, $425
The Leaning Tower of Zealand
Actually it was just up the road from Zealand (near Silver lake, west of Perth). This lovely old silo had to be removed recently for safety reasons). Acrylic, 16 x 20 SOLD
Short Cut - Fifth
Fifth of five impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. There are four acrylic sketches below; this one was developed beyond the first impression. (I just love this image - as you may have gathered...) Acrylic, 24 x 30 SOLD
Short Cut - Fourth
Fourth of five impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 11 x 14 $125
Canal Water Power
Lots of action on the Rideau Canal in Smiths Falls (20 minutes east of Perth). Acrylic, 16 x 20 SOLD
Bowes Side Road Fix-er-upper
An old mill building gets a new look for its windows. Acrylic, 8 x 25 Private Collection.
Short Cut - First
First of three impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 18 x 24 $195.
Short Cut - Second
Second of three impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 16 x 20 $175.
Short Cut - Third
Third of five impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 12 x 16 Private colletion.
The Face is Familiar
This may be a bit of a departure. I was copying a few old masters' paintings - or at least parts of them
- and decided to put three of them together. Acrylic 18" x 35 SOLD
The rest are relatively normal....
Tay Basin Still Life
Lots of angles as canoes wait for spring. Acrylic, 8 x 30 Private collection.
Sunshine in the Glade
I've been reading a lot about the Impressionists lately. There may be a trace of an inner Monet in this one...It comes from an old photograph. It's somewhere in Ontario but was definitely painted in Perth, so this is where it is featured. Acrylic, 24 x 18 $365.
First impression
A muddy driveway, just outside of Perth makes for an impressionistic opportunity. Acrylic. 15 X 30. $325.
Have a Seat
This is a park bench in Stewart Park, looking past a groovy tree toward the main street. Acrylic. 16 X 20. $295.
Beckwith Street Bridge
This angle is looking west from the east side of the bridge, near the curling club. 16 X 20. $295.
Frontyard Irises
These irises appeared relatively late in the summer in our front yard and made a nice contrast to the wooden strutures there. (I may have added a few extra irises..) 16 X 20. $295.
Old Columns
These old columns were presumably at the entrance to some grand estate many years ago; now they sit in an overgrown area by the railway tracks at Harris and Drummond streets.16 X 20. $295.
The Other Side of the Bridge
Looking at the "Little Tay" from the south side of the bridge, opposite Mex and Co and Coutts Coffee.16 X 20. $295.
Pretty Maids all in a Row
Gas meters form a line at the old Perth Shoe Factory.12 X 24. Private collection.
Tina's Pissarro Garden
Not actually in Perth, this is a bit of a hybrid. It is adapted from, and a tribute to, Camille Pissarro's Plum Trees at Eragny. I have added some modern features, and included my Van Gogh people to personaize and localize the image. Acrylic 24 X 18. Private collection.
Chafey Still Life
An interesting group of things at the "community area", Chafey's Lock, ON, about 45 minutes south of Perth. Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20. $295.
Ocean View
Not actually in Perth, this is an imagined scene( but it was painted in Perth....) . For this painting I took an old window, removed the cracked glass, cleaned it up and used it as a picture frame. The fictional image was a opportunity to play with colour and brushwork. Acrylic on board, 22in. x 43. $455.
Oak Leaves
Oak leaves literally hanging in during the winter months outside one of my favourite Drummond Street (Perth) homes. Acrylic on board, 16in. x 20n. $275.
Behind the Old Theatre
This is the back of the old Home Furniture building (now Fashion Bug) in downtown Perth. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in. $295.
Steeple through a Window
A Narrow View (see below), but much bigger, a bit more abstract, and through a faux window, which has been used to frame the painting. Acrylic on canvas, 24in. x 48in. $455.
A Narrow View
This is the view across the street from the funeral home on Gore, looking between the buildings towards the Baptist Church steeple on D'Arcy. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 24in., $255.
The Old Distillery
This is taken from a Perth Museum photograph of the old McLaren's Distillery in what is now Stewart Park. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 24in., SOLD
Maple through a window
This maple went golden brown to shocking pink almost overnight; the next day a heavy wind blew and it all disappeared. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD
Boardwalk shadows
Looking east from Foster and Wilson. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295
Morning Flowerlight
Light plays on greens and yellows. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in. Private collection.
Outside the Studio
Gateway to events and theatre. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295
Images Inter Alia
A different angle for lovely folks.
Acrylic on canvas, 12in. by 12in. Not For Sale (On display at Images on North St., Perth.)
Perth Museum Courtyard
Lots of fun things happen here.
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. by 20in. Not For Sale. (On display at the Perth Museum.)
The Other Way
The view looking east from the Tay River towpath (see Little Tay Reflections further down).
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD
This Old House
A real "fix 'er upper" but made for a nice subject for a painting.
Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 16in. Private collection.
Harris from Harris
The view looking south from the wrong side of the tracks (and down the pathway a bit).
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295
Maelstrom
I don't do many abstracts but it was fun to play with the colours.
Acrylic on canvas, 14in. x 14in., $225
Backyard Rocks
These are part of the landscaping in our backyard.
They're not actually very large but if you get down low and close enough
you have a couple of Gibraltars. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295
Fall Maple
Again, in our backyard. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295
Frontyard Flowers
The yellow cup plants in this picture are now twice as high. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295
(Look for "Morning Flowerlight - above)
Fiddleheads
Say hello to Karen if you go in for supper. Acrylic on canvas, 8in. x 24in., SOLD
Little Tay Reflection
Head towards the Legion by the Tay towpath and this is on your left.
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD
(See "The Other way" above - the view in the other direction.)
From The Porch
This is from behind the Perth Town Hall, through the porch of a lawyer's office.
Acrylic on board, 18in. x 24in., $350
Gone But Not Forgotten
This was replaced with a parking lot. Where is Joni Mitchell when you need her?
Acrylic on canvas, 14in. x 18in., $250
Red/Blue Sky at Night
A quick exercise in colour. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 36in. Private collection.
Three Towers
The view from Michael's Table's patio (if you stretch and contort yourself enough.)
Acrylic on canvas, on display at Michael's Table.
O'Reilly's Terrasse
Channeling my inner Vincent and inspired by his famous Cafe Terrace at Night
(one of many starry, starry night paintings) and adapting it to the new patio
at what was O'Reilly's Alehouse in Perth, now called Billings & Co.
Acrylic on board, 24in. x 30in.
Off to Yoga
This used to be the way for fitness - bikes AND yoga. Then it was a gelato shop and the courtyard has been fixed up nicely to add a European flavour. Acrylic on canvas, 19in. x 24in., (Private collection.)
Rest of Canada
Guelph
British Columbia
Down East
The Outaouais
Kawartha Lakes
More coming soon
This page last updated February 2, 2024
Ignatius Silo and Barn
The old silo at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, north of Guelph, is now gone but the barn remains (from a photograph posted by Cynthia Bragg). Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 30. $345.
Goldie Mill
The Goldie Mill ruins have an atmosphere all to themselves and are often used as a concert site. Acrylic on canvas, 24 X 36. $445.
Speed River Triangles
Late summer painting looking east from the Eramosa Road Bridge at the Speed River in Guelph. Acrylic on canvas, 20 X 24. $395.
Speed River Bridge
Fall painting looking east from the Eramosa Road Bridge at the Speed River in Guelph. Acrylic on canvas, 16 X 20. $295.
Backyard colours
Light plays on a Guelph backyard garden. Acrylic on canvas, 18 X 24. Private collection.
Tree Shadows
Many, almost symmetrical shadows on a classic Guelph house. Acrylic on board, 24 X 22. Private collection.
Bill's Patio
A refuge from the madding crowd. 16in. by 20in. Private collection.
Contemplating the Forest
A quiet moment in Cliff Gilker Park, Robert's Creek, Sunshine Coast, BC. Acrylic 20 X 20. Private collection.
Victoria Seawall
Sea wall in a small bay just west of downtown Victoria, BC. Acrylic 20 X 24. $395.
Peggy's Clouds
An artist friend took a photo of this view of Peggy's Cove, NS and we both did a painting. 16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas, $295
The Old Chaulk Boat
An old family fishing boat now retired and enjoying the sea view in Maberly NL, 16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas, SOLD
James' Ocean View
A classic view of some of the Jellybean Row houses in St. John's, inspired by photographer James Fraser.
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD
Homage to JC Roy
A friend of mine found a collection of JC Roy's Newfoundland paintings
and I was inspired to adopt his style for this homage.
Acrylic on canvas, 18in. x 24in., $325
Henri's Village
This is another tribute to my favourite painter Henri Masson. It is based on a quick sketch he made of an unnamed village, presumably in Quebec somehwere.
I actually bid on the painting when it was online-auctioned a couple of years back.
Needless to say, I was quickly blown away by some real investors but it was actually quite exciting. Acrlic 12 x 16. $225.
Homage to Henri
Henri Masson was a Belgian-born painter who moved to the Outaouais in the 20th century
and has many amazing Quebec works - landscapes and people.
This is a copy of one of his paintings. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295.
Inspired by Henri's Energy
Another tribute to one of my all-time favourite painters, Henri Masson. Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20, $295.(On display at The Elliott Street Clinic in Perth.)
The View from the Deck
The view from the cottage featured below - sorry; it's not for sale. 16 x 20" Private Collection.
Lisa's van Gogh cottage
A lakeside cottage gets the "Inner Vincent" treatment 24 x 18" Private Collection.
United Kingdom
Dylan's Inspiration
The estuary of the Taf River in Laugharne, on the south-west coast of Wales, runs next to the 12th century Laugharne Castle. Dylan Thomas's writing shed was right around the corner. Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30. $455.
Distant Docks at Dusk
The view at dusk, Gillingham, Kent, UK coast. (See Top of the Wall below). Acrylic on canvas, 16 X 20. $295.
Top of the Wall
This is the top of a low wall next to a footpath on the Kent, UK coast. Acrylic on canvas, 10 x 48. $295.
Warden Hill
Warden Hill in Luton, UK, painted on board attached to an old cottage window, suitably refurbished and used as a frame. Acrylic on board, 32 X 20. $445.
Dylan's House
This is where Dylan Thomas spent the last years of his life -
Laugharne, South Wales. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 16in. Private collection.
Spain
A Spanish Retreat
A rustic family cottage in Spain. Acrylic on canvas, 14in. x 18in. Private collection.
Ireland
Francey's Ireland
A lovely view of typically gorgeous Irish scenery inspired by a photograph taken by musician and occasional tour guide David Francey. Acrylic on canvas, 15in. x 30in. $550.