Something New...

Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed that recently my art website has undergone a bit of a makeover. I've taken the opportunity to fix some strange quirks that had developed over the years (mostly things only I was aware of that no one else was remotely bothered by) and to give it a fresh lick of paint and a tidy up. Everything is a nice and white now, rather than black.

On top of that, (what's got better eyesight than an eagle?.. Erm...) Red-Tailed Hawk-eyed readers may also have spotted that I've removed the photo gallery from my art website...

The reason being, I’m delighted to announce the launch of my new wedding and events photography website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels. Out with the old website and in with a new, fresh, clean, colourful one (- nothing borrowed or blue yet, other than the flowers in my photo gallery).
Visit www.lukebennettphotos.com for more details of my wedding and events photography services, where I provide beautiful, candid, colourful wedding photography in the photojournalist style.

If you're interested in booking me as your wedding or events photographer, I'm based in Solihull and cover all of the surrounding areas - Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and beyond. Please visit my site for more information and to make contact, I'll be very happy to hear from you and talk to you about your wedding photography requirements!

 As well as updating my new website with ongoing content, I plan on maintaining an active presence on social media too, with regular updates on what I'm doing, where I'm doing it and how I'm doing it, and of course lots of my photography - both professional and personal.
So please, visit Luke Bennett Photography to see plenty of my wedding photography as well as some of my own personal work.

Don't forget to follow me on social media, too, at all the usual places! -

Instagram: @luke_bennett_photos
Facebook: @LukeBennettPhotos/
Twitter: @LBennettPhotos
Blogger: lukebennettphotos.blogspot.com

Oh, and don't tell this Blog and about that blog ^

Wedding Portrait Art

I recently was asked to produce a painting as a wedding gift. The painting was commissioned by the brother of the groom who, in his own words, could not get excited by the standard items on the wedding gift list. So, although his gift was a little late for the wedding itself, it was hopefully one of the more original presents that the bride and groom received.

The painting was based on one of the wedding photographer's photos. The original photo had more going on in the background, with guests excitedly watching the couple's first dance. However, I thought it would make for a nicer painting if the only focus was the newly married couple - as if they were the only people in the world for that one special moment. 

Consequently, I kept things simple and went for a black background with the spotlight on the couple's warm embrace.

To commission your own portrait painting as a wedding gift, please get in touch here or through artbylukebennett.com

New Painting - 'Here Comes The Sun' - Original 50th Anniversary Beatles Artwork

'Here Comes The Sun' 

Acrylic Paint on Deep Stretch Canvas, Approximately 16 Wide x 12 High x 1.5 inches Deep (406 x 305 x 35mm), finished with Matte Varnish. Ready to hang.

50 years ago this October (2012), The Beatles released their first ever single, 'Love Me Do'. A few days ago, this October, I released (finished) my first ever Beatles painting. Coincidence? Not entirely.

Meticulously hand painted in thick, bold acrylics on a deep stretch canvas, this original artwork features a new take on the iconic imagery of the world famous Abbey Road zebra crossing. The black and white road markings now contoured by the colours of the Union Flag, stretching out to their source, where The Sun (here it comes) bathes The Fab Four in a psychedelic silhouette.

Paying tribute to the best of British, in a year that saw pride in Britain swell with the arrival of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the London Olympics, as well as the Beatles' 50th anniversary as an established act, this original, one of a kind, hand-painted Beatles artwork is evocative in more ways than one.

A perfect collectable for any Beatles fan. Original painting (currently) available and high quality giclée prints (on archival paper or canvas) are available at ArtByLukeBennett.com.




That's the official blurb. Now for the unofficial, erm, not blurb... It's always a nice feeling to finish a painting, especially when it hasn't necessarily gone to plan, *whispers* like this one.
Who knew that painting straight lines would be so hard and time consuming? I didn't, but it turns out it really, really is.
Without going into specifics, there was an awful lot frustration along the way; painting, re-painting, re-re-painting, etc. etc. But, I feel I've learnt lots of useful things as a consequence. I may even share some helpful straight line painting secrets in a future blog post.

In the meantime, here are some more photos of the final piece. They show the painting from many different angles and in natural light. Somehow, taking it outside into the British countryside felt appropriate.

More to come in future updates. As always, for more information, to purchase my original artwork and prints, or to commission a painting, please visit ArtByLukeBennett.com.

Temple Balsall Heritage Weekend 2012 (7th - 9th September)

On the Weekend of the 7th - 9th September 2012, Lady Katherine Leveson in Temple Balsall will be celebrating the history of the Foundation and its ongoing work with a special Herritage Weekend. The charity aims to raise money to support the work that the Foundation undertakes and to provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the Old Hall, St. Mary's Church and the recently renovated Primary School.

"Charity? Heritage? Foundations? Church?! Weekends?!! Why the sudden interest in Lady Katherine Leveson, Luke, you big bloody great Solihull Pet Portrait Artist?" I hear you ask. Well, apart from me being an incredibly lovely man who loves charity and old churches, there is also an art exhibition being held over the weekend as part of the festivities, where, I will be displaying work, for sale. A significant portion of any money made will be paid as a commission to the cause. I know, I know, I'm practically a Saint.

Apart from the art exhibition on Saturday and Sunday, there will also be an Autumn Fayre, with entertainment, including refreshments and stalls, and guided tours of the buildings and grounds.

And if that wasn't enough, there's also a Concert by Cantemus on Friday 7th September in St Mary's Church, starting at 7.30pm (tickets £5.00 each) and on Sunday a performance of Evensong, sung by the Birmingham Cathedral Choir (with guest preacher Canon Fair Claringbull), starting at 6pm.

So, anyone from Solihull or Warwickshire heading down, please look out for my work- original framed paintings and high quality giclee prints. And as always, should anyone like what they see and wish to commission a portrait/painting - pet, human or otherwise - please get in touch.

The Court of Lady Katherine Leveson, Temple Balsall. This courtyard of almshouses for elderly ladies was founded by a bequest in the will of Lady Katherine Leveson in 1674 and is still in use today. Image and information shamelessly stolen from http://iancourts.wordpress.com/