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Barbara Benstein

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Work Of Art By Benstein Gallery

"Family keeps me grounded...art makes me soar! Enjoy the ride."

My name is Barb Benstein. I am a 28 year resident of Lake Zurich, Illinois. My love of art started at an early age and you could always find me sketching animals, especially horses. My Mom says I was born with a crayon in my hand! Mostly self-taught, I specialize in pastel and oil paintings of people and pets, as well as homes and landscapes. After working as a graphic artist for 10 years,...

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... I began painting full-time in 1994. Painting with pastels has always been my favorite medium. I love the vibrancy of the colors and the richness of the texture. I also love working in oil as well. While my style is the same, oil paintings add another dimension to my work.

There is a story behind every commissioned piece I do. Many times I find myself “caught up in the moment” when working on a piece. I think about why my client wants this painting done and put those emotions into the artwork.

When I complete a piece and show it to my client for the first time, the emotional reaction I get tells me I’ve done my job well. That is what I love about painting the most.

I also teach art class to 9-11 years olds, teens and adults at Mainstreet Art Center in Lake Zurich. It is very fulfilling to see their artistic talents grow.

Standard booth 2019

People’s Choice Award - Ela Fine Arts Show, Deer Park, ‘02
People’s Choice Award - Ela Festival of Arts, Lake Zurich, ‘01
Purchase Awards; Ela Festival of Arts 1998 & 1999
Best of Show Award; Lake County Art League Festival, ‘01
Award of Artistic Merit 2nd Place; Lake County Art League Festival ‘02
Award of Excellence; Bartlett Fine Arts Fest 2010
Best of Show; Des Plaines Invitational Art Show 2013
First Place, Richmond Art Festival 2014
First Place, Algonquin Riverfront Art Festival 2014 & 2015
1st Place in Pastel - South Haven Art Festival 2015 & 2016