Art Brokerage: With the success of his first London exhibition in 1959 Ben Maile's career as a full time Painter was launched. Early recognition of his artistic talent was soon to follow as in the early sixties and seventies he acquired an enviable reputation as one of the leading print artists. This success opened up a whole new world of opportunity for Ben to broaden and develop his work, and with this his reputation rapidly acquired international status. Now dubbed the Cornish Painter, Ben Maile is far from parochial when choosing the subject matter for his paintings. Yes, it is true his beloved Cornwall is not altogether forgotten with bleak reminders of now derelict tin mines from the past, being offset by the sheer beauty and quaintness of resting fishing trawlers and those tiny Cornish harbours which offer precious sanctuary from the turbulent Atlantic. This point is best illustrated in his book 'The World, a Canvas' published 1n 1985. In it Ben Maile sums up his own thoughts on what inspires his work, as well as providing a fascinating insight into how he researches, sketches and mentally assembles a painting before he starts to put it on canvas. Certainly his paintings create the most wonderful images over a seemingly endless range and choice of subject matter. His historic military scenes such as 'A Time og Glory' and the classic 'Thin Red Line' are truly inspired and highly thought provoking. His maritime pictures invariably entice you aboard ship, although at the same time convey a real sense of lurking danger from the mood swings of the weather or high seas. 'Tops'l Schooner' and Bens official painting of the 'Mary Rose' are fine examples of this. Ben's unmistakable style , however , is probably best characterised by his stunning impressions of the famous landmarks that enrich the world's great cities. In Europe , you have the Colosseum in Rome, the St Marks Square and the beautiful Salute Palace in Venice, the Sacre Couer and the Pont Neuf in Paris, and St Pauls, Westminiser and the Law Courts in London. Add to this New York, San Francisco, Hong KOng - the list goes on.. Mines, Oil Rigs, and Pipelines - yes, Ben has also been commissioned to do work for some of the giants of industry , but his visual insight into British industrial landscape ' to bring industry's human face to light' must surely count as one of his best achievements. His book 'Enterprise on Canvas - British Industry through an Artists Eye' will deservingly provide a lasting testament to his unique talents as a Painter |
