Ben Pinkney is an emerging figurative painter who is challenging how figurative art is perceived in a contemporary society. He lives and works in Toronto and exhibits internationally. Ben studied classical animation at Sheridan College, graduating in 1999. He continued his studies by learning Dutch Painting under Klaus Hart. His figure drawing expertise is well conveyed in tender, large-scale oil portraits. Pinkney’s practice includes a desire to render both the physical and spiritual qualities of his subjects. His work has been exhibited at the Art Gallery of Peel, James Baird Gallery, Pouch Cove and the Affordable Art Fair, New York. Ben Pinkney is also a recent recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshield Award for Painting. In 2007 Ben Pinkney was selected as one of the semi-finalists in the RBC Canadian Painting Competition. Through the RBC exhibition Ben is receiving exposure and recognition internationally for his fresh approach at the centuries-old tradition of portraiture and figurative art.