Kathie Benson

Mixed Media | Watercolor

Contact

http://KathieBenson.com

Email Member

Biography

I have been involved in artistic endeavors since past remembering. I recall my mother showing me pictures of horses I drew at age 3. I grew up in New Jersey near tidal waters. I was always in the local swamps when not drawing and painting. What inspires me to paint? Light, landscapes, native plants and animals and people. I love Florida landscapes, the marshes, the hammocks, the scrub, trees, patterns of water and the different way light strikes the bursting life there. Florida has always been a magnet for me. When my son and family moved to this state, I was a frequent visitor. I have had a home in Florida since 2005 and moved full-time to this state when I retired from teaching high school science in 2008. A more serious attention to furthering my skills followed.

My work has been shown at numerous open and juried shows and have had my work displayed in corporate and residential settings. I paint watercolors using a variety of techniques, and find delight in experimenting with anything that starts out soluble in water or can permanently adhere to watercolor paper. Bits of the natural world may find themselves incorporated. I also work with water soluble oils on canvas. My style ranges from representational to impressionistic. Memberships have been held in the New Jersey Water Color Society, Hunterdon Water Color Society and the Somerset Art Association. I was a charter member of the Port Murray Emporium Artist Co-op.

I am presently a member of Brevard Watercolor Society, Titusville Art Association and the Florida Watercolor Society. I teach watercolor techniques in small class settings, primarily in northern Brevard County. Additional paintings can be viewed at The Manning Art Gallery, Route 22 , Whitehouse, NJ. http://manninggallery.com/ Education: BA Drew University, graduated with honors. Major – Botany, Minor – Fine Art M Ed East Stroudsburg University- Science Education - with emphasis on microbiology. MS East Stroudsburg University - biology with emphasis on ecology and wildlife management. Somerset Art Association, Bedminster, NJ, studying under numerous nationally known artists.