Ben Ho

Working in an impressionistic style, Ben Ho’s aim is to show the essence of his subject matter, be it still life, landscape or the human form. Spontaneity and an instinctive approach to painting, without much preparation allows Ben the opportunity to capture his feelings and mood on canvas. Highly skilled, Bens works with four dominant features, colour, light, brushwork and design.

Ben was born in Canton, China. At just twelve years of age he exhibited at the Canton-Tiajin Children’s Fine Art Exhibition, and in 1977 at the Haichu District Cultural Gallery in London. He studied at the Canton Fine Art School from 1978-1984, and completed his post-graduate studies in 1988. His earliest influences were the European Impressionist, in particular Van Gogh and Monet.

Ben immigrated to New Zealand in 1988 and is now a permanent resident living just outside of Queenstown with his Artist wife Mary Mai and their son .

 Since 1991 Ben has exhibited widely throughout New Zealand, winning numerous awards including the Otago Regional Award, KG Frazer Award and the Gold Medal Award at the Royal Easter Show. Ben is a working member of the N.Z. Fellowship of Artists.

Artist Statement:

I paint in watercolour and in oils - I think of watercolour as a poem and oils as telling a longer story. Whichever medium I am using, I never worry about the end result. I enjoy the process. I just let it happen. I paint what I feel. That’s what is important. – Ben Ho