Ben Timmins

Ben Timmins is a New Zealand contemporary painter who brings a unique and innovative approach to the genre of landscape painting. His work is identifiable for its employment of wood grain as a support and ground for his realist paintings.

The pattern of the wood grain is carefully selected and incorporated to interact with the exquisitely rendered photo realist subject matter. When viewed alongside the scene, whether it be a landscape or large bird study, this natural grain can be interpreted as sky, water or sand. As the artist describes: "the symbiosis of wood grain, realist painting and subject is very peculiar, there is a strong resonance between the subject ‘nature’ and the wood, which is also ‘nature’ in solid terms."

Timmin's scenes are enjoyed for their minimal, peaceful and contemplative qualities. There is an emotive energy that moves within his paintings, producing a meditative mood and a sense of mystery. Often working to a large scale, Timmin's creates impressive and immersive paintings. Standing before one of his large scale pieces evokes a visceral experience and channels the awe-inspiring qualities of nature.

Ben Timmins has received a number of awards and recognition for his painting. His work is held in a number of private and public collections including the James Wallace Art Trust.

“Nature as a subject matter I find contains ample scope, I’m drawn to its mystery and ability as a subject matter to have an affiliation to every viewer, this affiliation is the beginning of a thread, a thread that can lead the viewer to a deeper part of themselves.” - Ben Timmins