David Henty, master copyist, performed a live painting demonstration in October 2018 here at CLK Art.
With more than twenty-five years of experience replicating great works of art, David Henty is now considered the world’s best art forger/copyist. He has considerable expertise in convincing the viewer and art experts, having mastered the techniques and idiosyncrasies of some of the most iconic artists, from Michelangelo and Caravaggio through to Pablo Picasso. Each piece involves rigorous preparation through David’s immersive research process, studying the original painting, developing an understanding of how the artist worked, and sourcing materials true to the period.
David Henty’s history as a copyist/art forger starts, appropriately enough, with a conviction for forgery, more than twenty-five years ago. It was while serving the resulting prison sentence that David’s passion for art was rekindled. Quickly seduced by the technicality of copying, he has honed his craft to perfection, establishing a thriving legitimate business.
David explains that his is a very different discipline to producing the original artwork, and that copying is notoriously difficult. Mastering an artist’s unique style, however, is a challenge he embraces. It is only once he’s developed an affinity with the artist, that he’s connected with him or her that he will attempt to emulate their style. This means that David’s preparation for a painting begins even before his brush touches the canvas.
Prior to starting work on a piece, David will delve into the artist’s life and thoughts in order to get beneath the skin of that person. He derives huge satisfaction from deconstructing a work and analysing how to lay down each stroke, as well as mixing the perfect palette. There is the upmost importance of copy artists in the art world to produce works of the greatest artists that have ever lived; once this art form has gone it will be lost forever.
David Henty produces his highly collectable paintings for enthusiasts and private collections around the globe. Each original piece is presented in its own bespoke, handmade frame and signed on the reverse by David to certify authenticity.
A star in his own right, David’s copies have come to the attention of high profile media channels such as The Sunday Telegraph, the BBC, and Radio 4, who have all run articles on him, as well as an appearance on the Sky Art channel, Sky News and many more. David also speaks on his specialised field of art forgery.
“Arguably the world’s most celebrated copyist,” Stratford International Words and Music Festival.
“The endorsement of Mr Henty’s art by Mr James, who has sold 17 million books worldwide, will further boost his chances of artistic success.” The Telegraph
Pablo Picasso: Good artists copy; great artists steal.
David Henty does both.
Please contact the gallery to discuss works by David Henty e: [email protected] or t: 01925 757799.
