Portrait from Life | Tim Benson
The best painting lessons don’t always look like lessons.
Watch acclaimed portrait painter Tim Benson as he paints his friend and fellow artist Colin Barnes, navigating the fine line between expressive abstraction and a convincing likeness.
It's a chance to look over the shoulder of an experienced painter and discover new ways of approaching your own work.
From the very first marks to the tense moment Colin sees the finished painting, Tim works quickly and with a method all his own, to build the face through bold passages of colour, light and dark, constantly questioning what he sees and changing course when something isn't working.
What you might take back to your own painting
Lessons emerge naturally as Tim works, including:
- Painting what you see, not what you think you know – see how Tim continually returns to the subject in front of him, questioning his assumptions and responding to what he actually sees in the moment.
- Making expressive marks that hold together – explore how bold, simplified brushwork can create form and a convincing likeness.
- Balancing spontaneity and control – discover how Tim combines speed and expressive marks with the structure and clarity a painting needs.
- Knowing when to push further – explore how to look beyond a successful passage and judge whether the painting as a whole needs more work.
- Correcting problems as they arise – watch Tim identify inaccuracies, adjust the drawing and tackle the areas of a painting that need further work.
- Embracing uncertainty and learning from mistakes – see how Tim challenges his own habits, works without a fixed blueprint and comes to see mistakes as part of developing as a painter.
There’s plenty for painters working in any subject or style to take back to their own practice.
The experience
Filmed in stunning cinematic detail, Portrait from Life captures the speed and physicality of Tim's distinctive approach. At its heart is an intimate sitting between two friends who share a passion for painting. As Colin asks questions and the conversation unfolds, you get a glimpse into Tim’s thinking as he searches for a balance between expressive marks and a convincing likeness. Along the way, Tim reflects on why he believes a painting needs a degree of peril - and what it means to keep pushing when the outcome is uncertain.
What's included in your purchase:
- The complete 48-minute film - watch Tim's painting process unfold from beginning to end.
- Unlimited viewing - return to the film whenever you like
- Artist's Notes written by Tim - further insight into his process, palette, techniques and materials.
- The full film transcript - organised by scene and key insights so you can easily revisit particular moments.
Tim shares in the revenue from his film, so every purchase supports both the artist and independent filmmaking.
To purchase the film you'll first be asked to create a free account, giving you secure access to your film whenever you want to watch it.
One-off purchase | No subscription
Includes the film, Artist's Notes and full transcript.
“Tim is one of the few unique painting geniuses working today and to see him chisel his magic is absolutely mind blowing.”
- Tom Croft, Portrait Artist
About Tim Benson, RP NEAC
Tim Benson is a London-based oil painter whose distinctive portraits combine bold, expressive brushwork with an intense focus on the character and story of his sitters.
In 2018, he became President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, and in 2019 was elected a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
His awards include second prize at the prestigious 2025 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery, the 2020 Portrait Prize at the Discerning Eye exhibition, and the Arts Club Charitable Trust Award at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 2013.
His portraiture work also explores wider social issues, including his Faces of Ebola project in Sierra Leone and a series of paintings of people with facial differences.
He studied at Glasgow School of Art and Byam Shaw School of Art, completing his Fine Art degree in 2001.
He lives and works in North London, where he also teaches portraiture.
@timbensonartist
www.timbenson.co.uk
What painters are saying about
Behind the Easel...
"Absolutely FASCINATING. I learnt loads
Tim is one of the few unique painting geniuses working today and to see him chisel his magic is absolutely mind blowing. He's so intense, certain and physical it’s like watching an incredibly skilful pugilist at work! He knows his own mind and doesn't stop until he satisfies the process on his terms. My main take away is I need to use my fingers more!"
- Tom Croft, portrait artist
"So happy I purchased the Behind the Easel film.
I love how it brings together so many technical and perceptual
insights in a very organic and visually delightful way.
It'll be a wonderful studio companion when motivation is shaky.
Just a really beautiful and useful production."
- Dahvi N
“High-end documentaries with learning embedded.
To be able to watch over the shoulder of world-class artists, hear their thoughts and watch every mark is a completely new and unique opportunity. It’s like a week-long, one-to-one workshop at a fraction of the price, beautifully shot, with the added bonus of being able to return to it again and again. Exceptional value - and knowing you’re supporting the artists in the process feels only correct and really positive."
- Tom Croft
Portrait Artist
