William Kent adventure with art started, at a very young age, thanks to his Spanish uncle – José Carrión, also known as “El Pintor de la Noche” (“The Painter of the Night”). José became the successful and recognisable artist with friends like Salvador Dali. Jose made an impact on William’s life. Over the years José offered William and his dad, David, a lot of inspiration and encouragement. Sadly, José died in a car accident in 1990.
William Kent says ‘art is in my bones although I am not an artist myself. The hardest thing in art is to sell not to create; I am doing this for over 10 years. I have paintings everywhere, I do collect them and when the time comes I sell them, I don’t keep them! Anyone wanting to invest in art for their home should think what it brings personally to them, not whether it fits as home decoration. Art must speak to you, doesn’t matter what price, you must love it’
He loves surrealism, expressionism but mainly, he represents British artists. As the owner of online galleries, he collaborates with fine art galleries in America; dealing with art created by Picasso, Dali, Warhol … For William art suppliers and people who know the potential client are equally important to be able to become successful in selling art.
Running galleries and dealing with art is William big passion and he proudly represents his dad – David H. J Kent who was born in Weybridge, Surrey, England in July 1936. He was always at the table drawing, sketching or had his nose in an art book. As a schoolboy he studied old Victorian tomes full of wonderful prints of various illustrators from that time. Although David used most artistic implements and materials that were to hand, in preference to pencil, he loved drawing in black ink with its rich black line and high contrast. He drew cartoon caricature portraits of Hollywood actors, personalities of the time and of his school friends, teachers etc. Many years later, he read that Vincent Van Gogh loved English illustrators. David recalled that Vincent had made a painting of prisoners exercising, walking in a circle, based on a striking drawing by Gustav Doré. He, like Vincent, loved these line drawings. David tried in his own style to emulate these superb illustrations. David was strongly encouraged by his Art teacher Mr Morgan who said that David had a rare talent and recommended him up for a scholarship at art school. David Kent is now in his 70s and continuing to paint with the same zeal that he had as a schoolboy. Unlike other artists he does not like to use oil paints and canvas, he instead prefers to use acrylics and board.
The art market has a reputation of being a playground for the elite, but it seems that people are more willing to spend money on sustainable things, such as artworks. The digitalization has probably inspired new collectors and brought galleries more immediately to collectors via their smartphones/tablets. William thinks that more small independent galleries will be established, and that they will be connected to the world through social media platforms etc.