“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.
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….
![Pastel painting of a brilliant blue lake inlet surrounded by vibrant fall foliage with Tetons in the background by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/September-Symphony_Pastel_sm-350x300.jpg)
![A dramatic view from Trail Ridge Road in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park highlights the rocks and pines seen looking up toward the peak on a windy day. Pastel painting by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Climb_Pastel_sm-350x300.jpg)
![This stunning view captured in impressionistic oils greeted us every morning on a recent trip to Grand Teton National Park by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Teton-Morning_oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![The setting sun makes a brilliant blue ocean glow in teals and greens in this colorful tropical oil painting by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Sunrise-in-C-Minor_oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![A vast panorama of Colorado's dramatic Front Range mountains forms the backdrop for peaceful foothills and poppies and lupine blooming in a meadow. Oil painting by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Poppy-Fields-Forever_oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![This glorious sunrise over Carter Lake in the summer is painted in oil. Dramatic clouds hover over a calm lake where a lone sailboat is moored. Painting by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Morning-Has-Broken_Oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![Waves crash on a wind-blown beach against dark blue hills and violet clouds in this moody seascape. Oil painting by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Moody-Blues_oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![Highly textural oil paint makes the red rocks of iconic Horsetooth Mountain in Northern Colorado stand out against an brilliant blue evening sky. Painting by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Horsetooth-Sonata_oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![Snow-covered Hallett Peak soars over a peaceful lake in this square oil painting created in harmonic blues. lavenders, and greens by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Hallett-Peak-Harmony_oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![Greens, yellows, and lavenders combine in this vibrant oil painting of a midwest marshland by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Green-River_Oil_sm--350x300.jpg)
![A cheery oil painting depicts vibrant red poppies against fresh greens and a brilliant blue sky by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Everythings-Coming-Up-Poppies_Oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![Oil painting of a slow moving river with cloud reflections by Mary Benke](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Andante_oil_sm-350x300.jpg)
![](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mummy-Range-Morning-sm-350x300.jpg)
![](http://marybenke.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Path-Painting-Small-1-350x300.jpg)
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“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