Prior to retirement from teaching, Barbara Benjamin began participating in oil painting workshops with local artists at the Wallkill River School in Montgomery, New York. During her quest to become a more knowledgeable painter, she signed up for a workshop in California with colorist, Camille Przewodek. With Camille’s influence and additional classes with colorist Julie Hanson of Sarasota, Florida, Barbara was hooked on color temperature and value.
In addition, she loved to paint “en plein air.” Being surrounded by the natural environment was very stimulating. For her, the color and values come alive. Also, she enjoyed the camaraderie with other artists.
In 2011, Barbara began painting with watercolor. She loved the loose feeling in her brushstrokes when she painted florals and landscapes. Her painting has been influenced by local teachers Steve Blumenthal, Janet Campbell, and Pat Morgan. In Florida, she has taken workshops with Jack Nolan and Janet Rogers.
Recently, Barbara’s new love is mixed media/collage. Her inspirations are Liz Cole of Sarasota and Raven Skye McDonough of Virginia. With Liz, Barbara has learned to create her own collage papers. Also, she has purchased hand-made papers when she travelled. Barbara views the collage she’s creating as a puzzle. The papers she adds are the pieces to the puzzle.
Barbara’s paintings are in many private collections throughout the United States.
Use the Contact Us page to find out more about Barbara’s paintings.