What’s New?

"Cosmic Elk" Heading to Cheyenne

“Cosmic Elk,” 14×11 watercolor on Aquabord, was selected for the Second Annual New Frontiers Art Show & Sale to be held Nov. 3-Dec. 3, 2023 at Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. 

New Card Sets!

Cosmic Animals, Woodland Creatures, and Autumn Scenes 2: new small (4.24×5.5-inch) card sets available at Art Center of Estes Park, Homestead Fine Art Gallery in Berthoud, or from me directly. All are blank inside. 

Pastel painting of a brilliant blue lake inlet surrounded by vibrant fall foliage with Tetons in the background by Mary Benke

Show:
"Lyrical Landscapes"

Featured artist show at the Art Center of Estes Park April 30- June 7, 2021

I was delighted to be the featured artist at the Art Center of Estes Park from April 30- June 7. For the show, which I called “Lyrical Landscapes,” I explored some new techniques. I created some highly textural oil pieces, with the use of water-mixable oil paints, cold wax and some unique implements including a silicone bowl scraper, spatulas, a steak knife (!), along with more traditional brushes and palette knives. I also concentrated on developing distinctive “mark making” techniques in my pastel paintings. 

I find that painting opportunities exist everywhere. I work primarily from photos of my travels and explorations, often doing a quick thumbnail color sketch on site. In the studio, I focus on not only re-creating the scene, but evoking the senses and feelings experienced during the time the photo/sketch was captured. Included in this show were a few “imagined” landscapes—places that I wish existed but that don’t, at least I haven’t found them yet….  

This intimate pastel landscape accentuates beautiful blues and lavenders in a tranquil snow scene by Mary Benke

"Frosty Stroll" Juried into PSC Show

“Frosty Stroll,” 12×8 pastel, was selected for the Pastel Society of Colorado’s Small Works Show “Little Gems” to be held Nov. 8, 2023 to Jan. 7, 2024 at Collective Community Arts Center, Lafayette, C