The artist, Barbara Benedict, is largely self taught and has found painting to be an evolution of skill and senses. To capture that one moment in time when light, atmosphere and mood all come together remains her goal. While studio paintings form a large part of her work she prefers the spontaneity of plein air. Barbara Benedict's earliest work was all done from photographs in the studio but the experience of plein air painting was the catalyst which changed her perceptions of light and color. Now any studio painting she does has its roots in plein air studies.
Books written by contemporary artists Richard Schmid, Kevin McPherson, Lois Griffel and Ann Templeton have greatly influenced her. Recently Barbara Benedict has started exploring the the Russian Impressionist style, Ovanes Berberian, Gregory Packard and Robert Glenn in particular. Their expressive use of color to create mood and their brush work visually draws the viewer into the picture plane.
Barbara Benedict is internationally known and her work has been purchased by collectors throughout the world. She has won several awards as an emerging artist.
Best of Beaufort County Artists, Art Market at Honey Horn
Best of Show, Society of Bluffton Artists Annual Show 2010
Art Business News, October 2006
American Medical Gas, Cheektowwaga, New York
Founding member, Low Country Plein Air Society
Ohio Plein Air Society
Hudson Society of Artists
