Judy Benton

Work Description:
Although I primarily work in oils, I also use acrylics, mixed media, and watercolors.

Biography:
I always try to ask myself what I hope to accomplish when I pick up my paint brush and start applying composition, color, line, value, shape, and sometimes texture to canvas or paper.

My initial feelings are to bring out my conscious and subconscious thoughts and then decide, usually at the beginning of my piece, if it is going to be abstract or realistic. If I am working from an original sketch then the painting is going to be abstract and will portray an experience, a fantasy, or just my mood with personal interpretation of my subject. With realism more detail information is needed so I will work from a photograph.

In the final work, my abstract and realistic paintings reflect a lifelong passion for nature and music.

I was born in Baltimore, MD and studied foundation art classes at Maryland Institute College of Art. After moving to the Eastern Shore area with my husband, I continued to take art classes at Salisbury University and Wor-Wic Community College while raising two children and working. Style is always a personalized thing and really not taught in art classes, so I continue to explore and experiment with different styles.

RECENT WORK: Over the years I have won Honorable Mention awards to First place awards at local exhibits and designed the Flag and Seal for the Town of Berlin.

My love of music over many years, including performing on Trumpet and French horn, has influenced my artistic style.

In addition to being currently active in Jazz Bands and Wind Ensembles, I am also in different artist circles and have exhibited my work in Salisbury and various Ocean City locations.