insideKENT Magazine Issue 103 - November 2020 | Page 12

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :

ELI OFIR

ELI LIVES LOCALLY WITH HIS FAMILY ON THE BORDER OF KENT AND EAST SUSSEX AND WORKS FROM HIS STUDIO IN THE ASHDOWN FOREST TO PRODUCE UNIQUE PORTRAITS WITH GENTLE TWIST TO PERSPECTIVE .
“ I become very emotional when I draw beautiful old houses . They are living history scattered everywhere across the English countryside . When I ’ m drawing a house , the fine detail of my pen work takes me on a magical journey where the history of each property is revealed with every brick and stone I immortalise .” says Eli Ofir , full-time , professional house portrait artist and author of the worldwide renowned publication : ‘ Living in History ’.
Eli ’ s unique art style and technique of drawing a portrait with a ‘ Gentle Twist to Perspective ’, made him one of the most sought-after and busiest commissioned artists in his field . The portraits are all hand-drawn in detailed pen and pencil , and created with a unique touch and feel that Eli portrays from the specific house type , period and character . “ This results in an art piece with a life of its own , crafted carefully to reflect the unique story and beauty of the house .” - The Observer .
His artistic license allows him to draw scenes that are normally not seen and are hidden behind a hedge , wall , or tree . He can ‘ move ’ the neighbours out , or ‘ move ’ features such as a pond , a well , views , or an outbuilding into the portrait . He can also include pets and vintage cars to be part of the portrait alongside the house .
Throughout his career , Eli has been commissioned by many historic house owners , such as The Compleat Angler , Great Ote Hall , Mersham Le Hatch , Bathampton House , and many more period , mock and modern properties .
Recently , Eli was commissioned by Hever Castle to draw a series of portraits of the castle portraying both historic and present scenes . Some of the portraits show the more recognisable angles of the castle that are seen by visitors , but some portraits are of the back side of the castle that is hidden and rarely seen by the public . Eli also created a few beautiful historic scenes such as King Henry the VIII proposing to Anne Boleyn , the couple on an afternoon stroll , and the knights in armour mounted on their horses defending the castle with the drawbridge up .
These portraits will be on sale , as high-quality prints , greeting cards and on stationary , at the Hever Castle shops in Spring 2021 .
Eli does not draw every house , instead he is very particular and keen to firstly see initial photos and feel if the house will benefit , and be suitable for , his technique and artistic style . In some cases , if the property is not too far , Eli prefers to personally visit the house , see it for himself , feel its character and take his own photos from angles that one might not think of .
He draws only by commission and produces one or two commissions per month , to allow him to dwell and concentrate on the unique features of the house while he is creating the art-piece .
The result is an original , or a set of original framed portraits ready to hang on the wall , along with highresolution scanned copies of the portraits on CD , that can be used on stationary print such as greeting cards , letterheads , placemats , and coasters .
Eli ’ s price range depends on the number of portraits and angles ordered , the size of the paper and frame , and the range of stationary printed .
To receive a tailored price and consultation , please visit Eli ’ s website and fill in the enquiry form . Eli will then contact you to talk about your vision , timetable , and house .
www . bespokehouseportraits . co . uk
BespokeHousePortraits eli _ homeportraits4u
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