Artist Statement

Hi, my name is John D. Benson and I was born in Baltimore Maryland a few years ago. I attended school in Baltimore County and then some college. I am basically self-taught with some classes and work-shops with a very special one in Graz, Austria with Lou Rizzlo of North Western U. The discipline of watercolor . . . enables one to illuminate life in an extremely unique way; reaching far deeper into the soul of humanity and creation than mere words or photographs can touch. To have some small part, through this God-given gift, in creativity has been my desire since my early years. It is an extension of my soul and being, and is my contribution in bringing visual pleasure and communication to those who view my art. Charles Reid and Ted Nuttall are living artist that I have great respect for and enjoy their work in watercolor. My good friend Jim Butcher has influenced me in art and life. I also must add Robert Glenn for his wonderful work in sharing twice weekly thoughts and insights. Julia Cameron for her masterful book of instruction. Portraits, I believe I have a talent that allows me to capture the person. I don't know why how I have it or why but many have told me that I do. Knowing the person does not matter, I just seem to capture them in my art. In His Way!!!

Artist Bio

John D. Benson 9273 Bellbeck Road Parkville, Maryland 21234-1560 (410) 665-3395 Education Workshop Amsterdam, Holland 2010 Watercolor workshop with Charles Reid International Workshops Graz, Austria 2001 Watercolor workshop with Lou Rizzlo Portrait Society of America 1999 Weekend of Work Shops and Seminars on the art of portraiture Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour 1997 KW Computer Training One Day Class Layers, scanning, Retouching and Web Graphics Maryland Institute of Art 1974 Baltimore, MD Essex Community College 1972 Baltimore, MD Community College of Baltimore 1969 Baltimore, MD Parkville Senior High School 1968 Baltimore, MD Mediums Water Colors, Colored Pencil & Water Colors and Pen & Ink Work Experience Computer Graphic Artist Mark Trace, Baltimore, MD Sept. 1996 2008 FreeLance Illustrator Baltimore, MD 1976 Present Husband & Father Wife: Diana E. Benson NICU Nurse/Retired Son: John D. Benson, III 27 years old