the ben bennett collection perth (bbcperth)


(Updated November 18, 2024)


Welcome to the nothing-fancy-but-functional website* of Ben Bennett
who is tickled pink to be a painter in Perth, Ontario.

* It's so hard to get good help nowadays...

A brief biography

Contact Ben here

.

Link to Not Your Usual Perth Views


Ben at work (Photo courtesy of Caroline Evans)

WARNING: I only paint for nice people.


(Photo from the 2022 Art Works Perth event courtesy of Mike Flynn)

Ben's latest works:


Canadian Gothic - see Perth


Woods Still Life - see Perth


A Quick Impression of Ted - see Guelph


Auntie Alice - see Perth


Looking up at the Cove - see Perth


Here's looking at you - see Guelph


Uma at bay - see Guelph


Reflections on a Sad Day in Lanark - see Perth and area


Lanark Kitten Mill Before Demolition - see Perth and area


View from the House - see Perth and area


A House in the Country - see Perth and area


Peggy's Clouds - see Down East


The Old Pump - see Perth and area


The Barge and the Bridge - see Perth and area


Atlantic Sunset - see Perth and area


The Big Chair - see Perth and area


All that remained - see Perth and area


Another tree gone - see Perth and area


Dylan's Inspiration - see UK


Ignatius Silo - see Guelph


Michael's Table Patio - see Perth and area


Contemplating the Forest - see British Columbia


The Eyes have it - see Perth and area


The Leaning Tower of Zealand - see Perth and area


View from the deck - see Kawartha Lakes


Short Cut - Fifth - see Perth and area I actually did five impressions of this image - link here to see all five plus the original image


Canal water power - see Perth and area


Bowes heritage - see Perth and area


Short Cut - First - see Perth and area


Short cut - Second - see Perth and area


Short cut - Third - see Perth and area


Tay Basin Still Life - see Perth and area


Sunshine in the Glade- see Perth and area


The Face is Familiar- see Perth and area

A word about my "van Gogh people".
If you stare long enough at Vincent's amazing Cafe Terrace at Night,
featuring one of his famous "starry, starry nights",
you'll note the figures of a man and a woman on the right hand side,
seemingly approaching the cafe. But if you look carefully,
it appears they are headed in opposite directions and are about to collide.
Anyway, the idea of introducing what amounts to almost stick figures
to add some action was an inspiration for me and I have featured them in various works since.
(Yes, it's an affectation, but it's lots of fun.)
The two figures and the server in the O'Reilly's painting are both pretty sketchy.
The man and woman have evolved over time and are now clearly both headed in the same direction
- and in a bit of a hurry, in some cases.

Meanwhile, back to the paintings.....

The paintings below are grouped by area.

Perth and area
Guelph
British Columbia
Down East
The Ottaouais
Kawartha Lakes
United Kingdom
Spain
Contact Ben here.

Please note: prices DO NOT include delivery/shipping if required.

Perth and area


Canadian Gothic - this is actually a classic home in London, but it was painted in Perth. I have doe a few paintings of friends' homes and this one gave me an excuse to have a little fun..Acrylic 16 x 20 Private collection


Woods Still Life - for some reason this grouping of trees logs, plants and debris inspired me into another "Monet Moment"...Acrylic 16 x 20 Private collection


Auntie Alice - who actually lived in Scotland back in the music hall days (it was painted in Perth, though) , and was, by all accounts, quite the gal....Acrylic 12 x 36 $425


Looking up at the Cove - an unusual view of the Cove in Westport - Acrylic 14 x 10 $225


Reflections on a Sad Day in Lanark, acrylic, 24 x 20 $425


Lanark Kitten Mill Before Demolition, acrylic, 16 x 20 $295


View from the House, acrylic, 24 x 24 $320


A House in the Country, Acrylic.20 x 16 Private collection


The Old Pump - this was my entry in the Heritage House Rideau Artist of the Year exhibition in Smiths Falls last summer (2023), and delivered before I had a chance to have it properly photographed.20 x 24 Private collection.


The Barge and the Bridge - inspired by the old, long-disused bridge over the Rideau Canal at Smith's Falls, and a nod to my man Vincent Acrylic.20 x 16 $295


Atlantic Sunset - not exactly Perth, I realize, but painted here from a photo taken from the Queen Mary, no less...Acrylic.24 x 20 Private collection.


The Big Chair - a big tourist attraction in the Tay Basin parking lot behind the Studio Theatre. Acrylic.16 x 20 $295


All that remained - this was all that remained after the historic Red House on Craig Street was recently taken down (to be reassembled later it is hoped). In fact, the site has now been completely cleared Acrylic.15 x 30 $345


Another tree gone - this huge tree at Isabella and Drummond streets was taken down last year and now all that remains is the stump. Acrylic. 12 x 24 $245


Michael's Table Patio - same idea as the (former) O''Reilly's patio painting (see way down below..) with less Van Gogh influence and more Impressionistic style. Acrylic 16 x 20 On display at Michael's Table.


The Eyes have it - a companion painting to The Face is Familiar (see below).
I was copying a few old masters' paintings - or at least parts of them. These are the 'top halves" of Girl with an Earring, Lady with an Ermine and the Mona Lisa. Acrylic 18" x 36 acrylic, $425


The Leaning Tower of Zealand

Actually it was just up the road from Zealand (near Silver lake, west of Perth). This lovely old silo had to be removed recently for safety reasons). Acrylic, 16 x 20 SOLD


Short Cut - Fifth

Fifth of five impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. There are four acrylic sketches below; this one was developed beyond the first impression. (I just love this image - as you may have gathered...) Acrylic, 24 x 30 SOLD


Short Cut - Fourth

Fourth of five impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 11 x 14 $125


Canal Water Power

Lots of action on the Rideau Canal in Smiths Falls (20 minutes east of Perth). Acrylic, 16 x 20 SOLD


Bowes Side Road Fix-er-upper

An old mill building gets a new look for its windows. Acrylic, 8 x 25 Private Collection.


Short Cut - First

First of three impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 18 x 24 $195.


Short Cut - Second

Second of three impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 16 x 20 $175.


Short Cut - Third

Third of five impressions of the short cut to the Factory across the tracks from behind Perth Mews. Acrylic sketch, 12 x 16 Private colletion.


The Face is Familiar
This may be a bit of a departure. I was copying a few old masters' paintings - or at least parts of them

- and decided to put three of them together. Acrylic 18" x 35 SOLD
The rest are relatively normal....


Tay Basin Still Life
Lots of angles as canoes wait for spring. Acrylic, 8 x 30 Private collection.


Sunshine in the Glade

I've been reading a lot about the Impressionists lately. There may be a trace of an inner Monet in this one...It comes from an old photograph. It's somewhere in Ontario but was definitely painted in Perth, so this is where it is featured. Acrylic, 24 x 18 $365.


First impression

A muddy driveway, just outside of Perth makes for an impressionistic opportunity. Acrylic. 15 X 30. $325.


Have a Seat

This is a park bench in Stewart Park, looking past a groovy tree toward the main street. Acrylic. 16 X 20. $295.


Beckwith Street Bridge

This angle is looking west from the east side of the bridge, near the curling club. 16 X 20. $295.


Frontyard Irises

These irises appeared relatively late in the summer in our front yard and made a nice contrast to the wooden strutures there. (I may have added a few extra irises..) 16 X 20. $295.


Old Columns

These old columns were presumably at the entrance to some grand estate many years ago; now they sit in an overgrown area by the railway tracks at Harris and Drummond streets.16 X 20. $295.


The Other Side of the Bridge

Looking at the "Little Tay" from the south side of the bridge, opposite Mex and Co and Coutts Coffee.16 X 20. $295.


Pretty Maids all in a Row

Gas meters form a line at the old Perth Shoe Factory.12 X 24. Private collection.


Tina's Pissarro Garden

Not actually in Perth, this is a bit of a hybrid. It is adapted from, and a tribute to, Camille Pissarro's Plum Trees at Eragny. I have added some modern features, and included my Van Gogh people to personaize and localize the image. Acrylic 24 X 18. Private collection.


Chafey Still Life

An interesting group of things at the "community area", Chafey's Lock, ON, about 45 minutes south of Perth. Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20. $295.


Ocean View

Not actually in Perth, this is an imagined scene( but it was painted in Perth....) The fictional image was a opportunity to play with colour and brushwork. Acrylic on board, 22in. x 43. $455.


Oak Leaves

Oak leaves literally hanging in during the winter months outside one of my favourite Drummond Street (Perth) homes. Acrylic on board, 16in. x 20n. $275.


Behind the Old Theatre

This is the back of the old Home Furniture building (now Fashion Bug) in downtown Perth. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in. $295.


Steeple through a Window

A Narrow View (see below), but much bigger, a bit more abstract, and through a faux window, which has been used to frame the painting. Acrylic on canvas, 24in. x 48in. $455.


A Narrow View

This is the view across the street from the funeral home on Gore, looking between the buildings towards the Baptist Church steeple on D'Arcy. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 24in., $255.


The Old Distillery

This is taken from a Perth Museum photograph of the old McLaren's Distillery in what is now Stewart Park. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 24in., SOLD


Maple through a window

This maple went golden brown to shocking pink almost overnight; the next day a heavy wind blew and it all disappeared. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD


Boardwalk shadows

Looking east from Foster and Wilson. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295


Morning Flowerlight

Light plays on greens and yellows. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in. Private collection.


Outside the Studio

Gateway to events and theatre. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295


Images Inter Alia

A different angle for lovely folks.
Acrylic on canvas, 12in. by 12in. Not For Sale (On display at Images on North St., Perth.)


Perth Museum Courtyard

Lots of fun things happen here.
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. by 20in. Not For Sale. (On display at the Perth Museum.)


The Other Way

The view looking east from the Tay River towpath (see Little Tay Reflections further down).
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD


This Old House

A real "fix 'er upper" but made for a nice subject for a painting.
Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 16in. Private collection.


Harris from Harris

The view looking south from the wrong side of the tracks (and down the pathway a bit).
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295


Maelstrom

I don't do many abstracts but it was fun to play with the colours.
Acrylic on canvas, 14in. x 14in., $225


Backyard Rocks

These are part of the landscaping in our backyard.
They're not actually very large but if you get down low and close enough
you have a couple of Gibraltars. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295


Fall Maple

Again, in our backyard. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295


Frontyard Flowers

The yellow cup plants in this picture are now twice as high. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295
(Look for "Morning Flowerlight - above)


Fiddleheads

Say hello to Karen if you go in for supper. Acrylic on canvas, 8in. x 24in., SOLD


Little Tay Reflection

Head towards the Legion by the Tay towpath and this is on your left.
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD
(See "The Other way" above - the view in the other direction.)


From The Porch

This is from behind the Perth Town Hall, through the porch of a lawyer's office.
Acrylic on board, 18in. x 24in., $350


Gone But Not Forgotten

This was replaced with a parking lot. Where is Joni Mitchell when you need her?
Acrylic on canvas, 14in. x 18in., $250


Red/Blue Sky at Night

A quick exercise in colour. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 36in. Private collection.


Three Towers

The view from Michael's Table's patio (if you stretch and contort yourself enough.)
Acrylic on canvas, on display at Michael's Table.


O'Reilly's Terrasse

Channeling my inner Vincent and inspired by his famous Cafe Terrace at Night
(one of many starry, starry night paintings) and adapting it to the new patio
at what was O'Reilly's Alehouse in Perth, now called Billings & Co.
Acrylic on board, 24in. x 30in.


Off to Yoga

This used to be the way for fitness - bikes AND yoga. Then it was a gelato shop and the courtyard has been fixed up nicely to add a European flavour. Acrylic on canvas, 19in. x 24in., (Private collection.)

Rest of Canada

Guelph


A Quick Impression of Ted

This is a quick acrylic sketch of Ted, a mule who is also a resident of the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (see next picture),

from another great photo on the DSC website by Hamilton photographer Marian Adoranti. Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14. $175.


Here's looking at you
This is a close-up of Uma, a resident of the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (see next picture). Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 15. $225.


Uma at bay

There is a haven near Guelph called the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.
This lovely old lady has been there a while and inspired this painting - a first for me as someone who doesn't do animal paintings.
Hamilton photographer Marian Adoranti's great photo on the DSC website was my inspiration. Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 30. On display at the donkey sanctuary.


Ignatius Silo and Barn

The old silo at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, north of Guelph, is now gone but the barn remains (from a photograph posted by Cynthia Bragg). Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 30. $345.


Goldie Mill

The Goldie Mill ruins have an atmosphere all to themselves and are often used as a concert site. Acrylic on canvas, 24 X 36. $445.


Speed River Triangles

Late summer painting looking east from the Eramosa Road Bridge at the Speed River in Guelph. Acrylic on canvas, 20 X 24. $395.


Speed River Bridge

Fall painting looking east from the Eramosa Road Bridge at the Speed River in Guelph. Acrylic on canvas, 16 X 20. $295.


Backyard colours

Light plays on a Guelph backyard garden. Acrylic on canvas, 18 X 24. Private collection.


Tree Shadows

Many, almost symmetrical shadows on a classic Guelph house. Acrylic on board, 24 X 22. Private collection.


Bill's Patio

A refuge from the madding crowd. 16in. by 20in. Private collection.

British Columbia


Contemplating the Forest

A quiet moment in Cliff Gilker Park, Robert's Creek, Sunshine Coast, BC. Acrylic 20 X 20. Private collection.


Victoria Seawall

Sea wall in a small bay just west of downtown Victoria, BC. Acrylic 20 X 24. $395.

Down East


Peggy's Clouds

An artist friend took a photo of this view of Peggy's Cove, NS and we both did a painting. 16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas, private collection.


The Old Chaulk Boat

An old family fishing boat now retired and enjoying the sea view in Maberly NL, 16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas, SOLD


James' Ocean View

A classic view of some of the Jellybean Row houses in St. John's, inspired by photographer James Fraser.
Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., SOLD


Homage to JC Roy

A friend of mine found a collection of JC Roy's Newfoundland paintings
and I was inspired to adopt his style for this homage.
Acrylic on canvas, 18in. x 24in., $325

The Outaouais


Henri's Village

This is another tribute to my favourite painter Henri Masson. It is based on a quick sketch he made of an unnamed village, presumably in Quebec somehwere.
I actually bid on the painting when it was online-auctioned a couple of years back.
Needless to say, I was quickly blown away by some real investors but it was actually quite exciting. Acrlic 12 x 16. $225.


Homage to Henri

Henri Masson was a Belgian-born painter who moved to the Outaouais in the 20th century
and has many amazing Quebec works - landscapes and people.
This is a copy of one of his paintings. Acrylic on canvas, 16in. x 20in., $295.


Inspired by Henri's Energy

Another tribute to one of my all-time favourite painters, Henri Masson. Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20, $295.

Kawartha Lakes


The View from the Deck

The view from the cottage featured below - sorry; it's not for sale. 16 x 20" Private Collection.


Lisa's van Gogh cottage

A lakeside cottage gets the "Inner Vincent" treatment 24 x 18" Private Collection.

United Kingdom


Dylan's Inspiration

The estuary of the Taf River in Laugharne, on the south-west coast of Wales, runs next to the 12th century Laugharne Castle. Dylan Thomas's writing shed was right around the corner. Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30. $455.


Distant Docks at Dusk

The view at dusk, Gillingham, Kent, UK coast. (See Top of the Wall below). Acrylic on canvas, 16 X 20. $295.


Top of the Wall

This is the top of a low wall next to a footpath on the Kent, UK coast. Acrylic on canvas, 10 x 48. $295.


Warden Hill

Warden Hill in Luton, UK, painted on board attached to an old cottage window, suitably refurbished and used as a frame. Acrylic on board, 32 X 20. $445.


Dylan's House

This is where Dylan Thomas spent the last years of his life -
Laugharne, South Wales. Acrylic on canvas, 12in. x 16in. Private collection.

Spain


A Spanish Retreat

A rustic family cottage in Spain. Acrylic on canvas, 14in. x 18in. Private collection.

Ireland


Francey's Ireland

A lovely view of typically gorgeous Irish scenery inspired by a photograph taken by musician and occasional tour guide David Francey. Acrylic on canvas, 15in. x 30in. $550.

More coming soon

This page last updated November 18, 20244