David Bent
Born in Dover, David has travelled extensively throughout his life, spending long periods of time in many regions including Peru, Costa Rica, India, the Middle East and Nepal – always painting, sketching and collecting ephemera and images that form the foundation of much of his work.
In 2002, he began to pioneer a new approach to modern aviation art and in recent years , has created a significant collection of work that combines the world of aircraft with landscapes seen by him on his travels. As an image maker he has also always been drawn to comment on the world around him, including the human condition and the big social issues of our time. David considers himself to be ‘primarily a painter who believes that the skill of painting and drawing should be valued and maintained.’ David also uses photography and print making within his practice. The more you view his substantial body of paintings, photographs and collages … the more intriguing they become.
Interview with David Bent
For David Bent, art has always been a way to connect with and celebrate the natural world. His passion for capturing the beauty of birds and other elements of nature began early, nurtured by inspiring teachers who introduced him to art galleries and life drawing classes. From those formative experiences, David’s dream of becoming an artist took flight.
Known for his vibrant and meticulous style, David believes in observing the world carefully, a principle that guides his creative process. His favourite medium, Daler-Rowney System3 Heavy Body acrylics, allows him to experiment with texture and colour, bringing his subjects to life in dynamic and expressive ways.
In this interview, David shares insights into his artistic journey, his dedication to studying both historic and modern artists, and his advice for aspiring creatives to stay persistent, observant, and true to their passion.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Believe in yourself, enjoy it, practice, observe the World around you, study artists from History and Modern, work hard and never give up.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
System3 Heavy Body. Its lovely and creamy, good colours and can be used thick and thin.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
Observe the world carefully and keep your pencil sharp.
What technique you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
Painting upside down.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
When my school teacher took me to Art galleries and Life Drawing classes. Yes, I always wanted to be an artist.
How has social media helped your career?
Social media is useful to a degree in reaching a wide audience.
What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?
Wanting to record nature, particularly birds.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Nature.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Believe in yourself, enjoy it, practice, observe the World around you, study artists from History and Modern, work hard and never give up.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
System3 Heavy Body. Its lovely and creamy, good colours and can be used thick and thin.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
Observe the world carefully and keep your pencil sharp.
Products Used
System3 Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
System3 Original Acrylic Paint
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Acrylics
System3 Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
System3 Heavy Body Acrylic paints have been reformulated to offer more pigment and more power than ever before, with great heavy body consistency. They offer a unique peak retention, holding brush marks allowing the creation of motion and adding volume to artworks. It is ideal for achieving textured effects and using impasto techniques. It has […]LEARN MORE -
Acrylics
System3 Original Acrylic Paint
System3 Original Acrylic paints are versatile, water-based acrylics formulated with high-quality pigments for superior colour intensity and excellent lightfastness. Their soft body consistency makes them ideal for covering large areas while maintaining quick drying times and strong adhesion. With impressive permanence (most colours rated 3 to 4 stars) and flexibility, these paints are suitable for […]LEARN MORE
How to's & Collaborations
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Canvas LabColour Lab
How to create a grid matrix with David Bent?
David Bent, a renowned artist and illustrator, talks us through how to set up a grid matrix with this easy step-by-step guide. -
Canvas LabMedium LabHow to prime a canvas with David Bent
David Bent walks us through how to prime canvases with a step-by-step guide.
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