An interview with one of my favourite dA artists, ~Bengine







Why are you an artist, Benjamin?

Hmm! I started drawing about 5-6 years ago, after a friend did a cool drawing of a fat boy on my wall. Since then I've kept going on, and its still really fun. Also, I have no idea what I would do to get all the inspiration and creativity out if I didnt spend it on a painting.

Could you tell us some more about your paintings?

My motives are mostly people, where the mood, colors and brushstrokes matter alot. I try to catch expressions, and try to make it look like something else than just something painted from a photograph (If im using photoreference).

What artists have influenced you, and how?

There is lots of good artists!
My biggest inspiration is probably Jenny Saville. She has a really personal painting style, thats wonderful too look at. Although I've never seen one in real life.
Then I really like Nicholas Uribe ( [link] ) He has some lovely portraits in there, with wonderful expression, and a nice mixture of styles in some pieces.

What inspires you to paint and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

I get alot of inspiration from looking at great paintings/drawings. Music on high volume also gets me going. Im pretty impatient, and give up too often. But if things get to hard, and nothing works, I put the painting away for a day or so. I try to have a few different paintings that I work on, so I can switch.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

I have no idea! Im doing my last days in artschool now, and im not going to study it next year. Ive been there for 2 years, and I dont feel it has given me much. More a waste of money, although its been fun. I would like to work as an illustrator or something, so im currently looking for illustration educations.

What are the best and worst parts of being an artist?

The best part is the feeling when everything falls into place, when you paint until your hands start shaking. The worst part is probably the opposite, when you ruin something you've worked several hours on. Its pretty lonely too, being at home painting alot.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in their career?

Find artists that you like, I think you learn alot from just studying a great painting. Also, having a sketchbook with you at all times and drawing stuff is a great way to learn.


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Thank you Bengine!