Ben painting during the Olympics

Having raised close to £1.8 million for charity, and worked with some big names like Marie Curie, McDonalds and Manchester United, Ben’s work can be found in private collections around the world. His record sale currently stands at £66k. Hailing from Baldock, in Herefordshire, Ben took a BTEC Diploma Art Foundation course at the University of Hertfordshire followed by a BA Honours Fine Art Degree at the University of Liverpool.  

Live painting 

Live painting, creating a piece in front of a large audience, all while against the clock and so in a pressured environment is something Ben particularly enjoys. By translating the excitement and energy of an event onto canvas, in real time, Ben aims to encapsulate the raw emotion.  

Ben live painting in Dubai

“It was incredible to live paint at the world class Saatchi Gallery during the Frieze art week. What a venue and what an opportunity. I’ve always believed that art is one of the best forms of communication, so to be able to show people my vision and create a painting of one of the best skylines in the world on a huge scale in front of the general public was a terrific feeling. This particular piece was in celebration of the Kings Coronation and is made up of many union flags to showcase this.” 

Ben's live painting during Freize art week

Olympic dreams 

For the second time, following Tokyo 2021, Ben is honoured to have been selected as Team GB’s official artist for the Olympic Games in Paris this July. This involves travelling out with the team to capture the best moments in art form. “My passion for showcasing the dynamic beauty of sports through my art has been my inspiration for many years.” 

“It was an ambition of mine to work as the official artist with Team GB at the Olympic Games and in 2020 I realised that dream when they appointed me as official artist for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Sadly I couldn’t attend due to Covid restrictions but creating my ‘medal moments mural’ on Carnaby Street was one of the greatest experiences and greatest honours of my life, and one of my biggest challenges. It was a unique experience as the general public were allowed to witness the process live, and it was televised on national television. The pressure to deliver became both challenging and immensely rewarding as the victories and medals kept coming. I had to keep the quality of my brushwork high while talking to members of the general public at the same time. The mural spanned 50 meters and I painted it in real-time each time a medal was won by one of our athletes. With Team GB's remarkable success, it was a race against time to keep up with the daily medal count. I had to work diligently. Despite the challenges, the experience was incredibly fulfilling, and I consider it one of the greatest achievements of my career.”  

“As the official artist for team GB, I have a responsibility to represent my country through art. It is a stage unlike any other. I'm really looking forward to going to Paris to create more paintings capturing some of the biggest moments in sporting history as well as the athletic progress the camaraderie, the atmosphere and the Olympic spirit. My passion for painting sports stems from the belief that sports have a unique ability to bring people together in celebration, serving as a powerful force for unity and inspiration. Continuing to create art that celebrates the spirit of sport remains a source of pride and fulfilment for me as an artist.”  

Technique focus 

I paint directly onto the wall if I’m creating a mural or canvas painting, embracing a sense of spontaneity in my work. My artistic process involves creating freehand pieces with bold line work inspired by the likes of Picasso and Matisse. I am drawn to form, shape and pattern, and I enjoy simplifying shapes to make them uniquely my own. There is a childlike essence to my painting style as I approach my art with a sense of playfulness and paint from the heart.  

Colour plays a significant role in my expression, and I find that the vibrant hues perfectly capture the colourful and dynamic nature of sports. Incorporating real 24-carat gold into my work adds a touch of luxury and richness, enhancing the boldness of the colours and reflecting light beautifully. The use of gold, a colour associated with champions, further ties into the spirit of the Olympics and the excellence it represents.  

I believe that sport has a unifying power, bringing people together, and I aim to capture this spirit in my artwork. Additionally, I focus on showcasing the athleticism and prowess of athletes in my pieces, infusing them with a dynamic and angular quality that captures the essence of sports in my style. My art reflects the energy, spirit, and vibrancy of sports and I will always believe it’s an incredible subject to paint about. 

Murals 

Believing art is a form of communication, Ben’s work can be enjoyed around the country. “I believe that public murals can play a crucial role in enriching the fabric of communities and cities by serving as powerful expressions of culture, identity, and creativity. These large-scale artworks have the potential to transform urban spaces, revitalising neglected areas and instilling a sense of pride and ownership among residents.” 

Ben's mural work

Other work 

As well as all the above Ben finds time to create bespoke commissions. Examples include a special portrait of the Queen on her platinum jubilee for Hello magazine, created using 24 carat gold, and his creation of a daffodil displayed on a wide range of Marie Curie’s clothing apparel, merging art and fashion, in support of the charity’s mission.  

Ben with his portrait of the Queen

To find out more about Ben’s work visit benmosleyart.com or search for Ben Mosley Art on social media.