Philosophy
Art is a journey of connection and sharing
In my artistic journey, I have come to believe in the profound connection between reality, truth, and beauty. I see beauty, not as an abstract concept detached from our daily existence, but as an intrinsic quality residing within the truthful reality of everyday life.
Realism, however, is not merely a stylistic choice; it is a philosophy that guides my artistic expression. I find immense satisfaction in the meticulous observation and faithful representation of the world as I experience it. Realism, as an art style, allows me to delve deep into the essence of the ordinary and to capture the nuances, and intricate details that often go unnoticed. It is a language that enables me to tell stories, share emotions, and provoke contemplation.
I find great inspiration in the history of realist painting and the lineage of artists who have dedicated themselves to this style, each contributing to a rich tapestry of the human experience. The works of great painters, both contemporary and those who have gone before me, continually motivate me to explore, refine and master my craft.
But art, for me, is also not a solitary endeavour. It is a journey of connection and sharing. I am excited to share my skills and knowledge with others, to pass on the tradition of realism, and to foster a community that appreciates the beauty of truth in art.
(Classes in still life and portraiture are taught at Hamley Studio of Fine Art).
Hamley Studio of Fine Art
Hamley Studio is run by Ben and Sally Ryan. We are classically-trained artists teaching painting and drawing from our studio. We are passionate about helping people to reach their artistic goals. Our classical background informs our approach to teaching, but we do so with enough flexibility that students are able to explore their own interests at their own pace.
Hamley Studio is both a teaching practice and our working space as artists. In all of our classes we paint alongside our students to demonstrate the concepts we discuss.
Where are we?
We are located at 107 Hunter Street, Hornsby, NSW.
Who are our classes for?
We teach oil painting and drawing to adult artists of all experience levels. In all of our classes we teach on an individual basis, so they are suitable for beginning to advanced artists. If you are entirely new to painting or drawing that's fine, we'll go from the very beginning. If you've got some experience we're happy to work with you where you're at.
We're focused on helping artists to improve their skills, and our classes cover a range of concepts including: drawing, tone, colour, form, anatomy, composition, edges, brushstrokes and more.
