Ben Jeffery - Animals

Ben Jeffery was born in 1986 and grew up in Barnet, north London. His interest in art was kindled once his Grandfather introduced him to the work of John Varley, the renowned 18th Century watercolour artist. The Varley’s are related to the Jeffery family.

Ben first realised he wanted to be an artist in secondary school. He and a few classmates would place bets to see who could draw the best portrait.

Ben continued to study art to degree level. He received a lot of guidance and advice throughout the years but his technique was mostly self-taught. Ben always wanted to paint with oils and come up with colourful detailed paintings, this wasn’t always well received by his tutors but his classmates were always quite impressed with what he came up with.

A lot of the time a painting evolves as Ben paints it. “I always have a basic composition in mind but I let the brush come up with the shapes and I choose colour almost on the spot.”

Ben Jeffery’s work is diverse, ranging from iconic portraits to animals to landscapes in both pencil and oils. His love of working with vivid, bright colours creates a unique and modern style. Much of his inspiration comes from views around him and the odd photograph. His parents own a house in the Herefordshire countryside and one on the Isle of Harris, both have stunning views which constantly gives their son inspiration.