Christy Bensley - Fine artist, designer and teacher

 

Painting has been my life long hobby. I am a perennial observer of my surroundings. In my daily life, and even as a young child, I marvel at the effects and juxtapositions of natural light and color — in landscapes, shapes, and objects that evoke a mood, a hint of mystery or discovery. As a painter, I photograph these moments and images and store them in a portfolio “to paint”. 

 

The study of Art History was a natural choice of major for me at Connecticut College ‘81, supplemented by taking many studio art classes. After graduation, I landed a job in educational publishing as a book designer where I honed my skills in graphic design — layout, composition, typography, photography, and commissioning art for many years.

 

In my spare time, I continued to pursue painting by taking a variety of art classes, mostly in oil, at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence, learning from Artist Mark Hayden - a Copley Master, Tamara Krendel, and Caleb Stone. I have participated in silent and live auctions, art expositions, and have received numerous commissions for portraits of children, adults, couples, and animals. I have taught art classes, specifically drawing and painting to children and adults.

 

During the school year, I work as a Special Ed Instructional Assistant in middle school and my teaching provides that wonderful exchange of discovering and nurturing one's creative expression.

 

I have been fortunate to travel to many destinations, some exotic, choosing images to explore my growth as a painter. I always come back to Squam Lake as a location for my constant attention. Having summered at Squam my entire life, now my own family enjoys the beauty of the region from our Sandwich, NH farmhouse. 

 

I live and work in Andover with my husband and two grown sons manage to visit us whenever they can both in Andover and Sandwich.

 

For more information visit my website at paletteanddesign.com

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