Learn Classical Drawing and Painting Techniques with Ben Laughton Smith
2D Atelier-trained Artist and Teacher at Art Junction
Who is Ben and what does he do?
Ben is a 2D artist and teacher specialising in figurative and representational work that includes portraits, still life, figures and landscapes in both oil paint and dry media. He trained for 4 years at a classical art school in London and was awarded funding by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to continue his studies at Master’s level. He has work in collections throughout the country and internationally.
Contact: [email protected]
Links to Ben’s Instagram, Facebook and Website.
Who and what does Ben teach at Art Junction?
Ben offers Art Junction students a range of informative videos on materials and techniques, as well as demonstrations and 1-to-1 tuition sessions. Along with Marji, Ben also runs Art Junction’s livestream figure and portrait sessions.Materials and technique videos: released throughout each month, these are perfect to introduce students to new materials and methods. They provide excellent practical guidance on a wide range of topics.
Demonstration videos: time-lapse recordings showing Ben’s working method, normally including a highly informative voiceover explaining his process, the materials used and expert guidance on producing similar projects at home.
1-to-1 sessions: Starting with trouble-shooting areas of weakness, Ben’s approach is highly tailored to each student’s needs and the focus is on understanding the language of visual representation: proportion, shape, value, colour, edges and design. In-depth guided exercises and/or ongoing critique then improve observation and all-round skills. Ben is available Saturday mornings for 1 to 1 sessions.
Livestream life and portrait classes: ideal whatever your experience, these Zoom sessions live from the Art Junction studio use professional artists’ models with Ben providing expert tips as you work along with him at home. Classes are recorded for re-viewing and students receive a follow-up resource pack including photographs taken during the class.
In Ben’s own words…
“My students often ‘arrive’ feeling really frustrated, in many cases having struggled for years to make progress with their drawing and painting. My approach is to break things down into manageable topics such as proportion, value and colour, with simple explanations of how they combine to create a visual impression. Technique is important, but students also learn a totally new way of seeing – and that really makes a difference.”