Russell-Cotes welcomes new painting by renowned aviation artist
A new painting by aviation artist David Bent, 'Brief Encounters', was unveiled on 21 September at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
Courtesy SAC Adam Fletcher MoD Crown Copyright 2016
David worked on the painting during Bournemouth Air Festival in August, as part of his role as the festival's first artist in residence. The exhibition ‘David Bent at the Russell-Cotes - Art in the Air’ combines David’s aviation passion, colour, creativity, vibrancy and unique ability to capture the art of flight.
The new artwork highlights one of the Red Arrows’ most dynamic manoeuvres, viewed from the Russell-Cotes’ balcony, as well as capturing the excitement and fun of the Air Festival in the details. The painting’s name was chosen through a competition and was suggested by a visitor, Jean Withall, from Sidcup, Kent.
Early visitors to the exhibition included the RAF Aerobatic team, the Red Arrows themselves, who spent an hour touring it and the house during the Air Festival's opening weekend.
Andy Morton, Red Arrows Public Relations Manager commented: "David Bent's great new painting entitled ‘Brief Encounters’ takes inspiration from the excitement of Bournemouth Air Festival. The artwork focusses on the absolute precision of the synchro pair who perform some of the Red Arrows most dynamic manoeuvres, expertly painted by David from the unique vantage point of the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum."
David Bent combines his diverse experience with acute powers of observation to create his artworks. This exhibition features original paintings created over ten years, including work totally unique to Bournemouth. In 2015, David was admitted to Honorary Companionship of the Royal Aeronautical Society in recognition of his exceptional contribution in transforming aviation art with iconic paintings.
The exhibition is open until 16 October.