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My First Plein Air Painting with Acrylics and Mixed Media - Breathing

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"Breathing" 8"x10" Mixed Media on panel Sold A painting from when I finally got over the shock of becoming allergic to oils and took the courage to paint en plain air with acrylic and mixed media. I loved creating this baby at Hoover Reservoir Park. The day started foggy and gray and I almost did not go out to paint. Once there, the sun came out and made it a very enjoyable experience. First, I created an abstract and colorful mixed media under-painting with paper, acrylic gel, and hand-cut stencils. Then, I picked my subject and started painting with acrylic paint and palette knife. I love how loose it came out and how the bright under-painting glows through in several spots. I think I've found a great way to use acrylics outdoors. They dry so quickly that I thought it was impossible, but this technique makes it faster and doable. Yay!!

Painting Classes: Express Your True Self With Acrylic

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    Enjoy the freedom of working on your own individual acrylic projects while learning creative painting techniques. From color mixing, composition, and texture to still life, landscape, portraits, and more, unleash your creativity with the guidance of the instructor. All skill levels are welcome. Students drive the topics and I will demonstrate various techniques in acrylic painting; discuss different substrates, color mixing, and composition; and work with you to tailor the classes to your specific questions and goals. My art classes are non-judgement and encouraging. While painting, you will explore and experiment with your personal artistic style and various The supply list will be emailed after registration. Some shared paints will be available at the first session for you to try before purchasing your own. You may bring your favorite drink and snack.   Four weekly classes, on Mondays, 6-8 pm. Dates: April 8 - 29, 2024 Classes are limited to 8 students, 17 year

Check Out My Website

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Hello,  If you landed on this page, you might be looking for my artwork or information about me.  This blog has not been updated in a while, I recommend that you visit my website for my latest paintings and current events. Thanks so much for your interest and support. Robie Benve robiebenve.com I'm working on a new series out of my home studio.

Being Fully Vaccinated Feels Good!

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 I'm Loving My Newly Found Freedom! After 14 months of avoiding close contacts, crowds, meals with friends, gatherings, and more, I am finally vaccinated for Covid19 and I am back to doing a few things that I was greatly missing. Yay!! I Went to Art Class I've been going to the Open Studio painting class at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center since 2011, and during the pandemic it was closed, then it reopened at limited capacity, then it closed again, and finally reopened again in March. I missed it, but I was not feeling comfortable attending until this session. The session started two weeks after my second shot, perfect timing!  I eagerly signed up, afraid that with the limited capacity it would get full before I had the chance to join, and last Thursday was the first class.  Being back felt like seeing family again. I love the place, the people, and the energy in the studio. Ahhhh, so nice! I Went to an Art Opening A local gallery had an art opening in person, and two of the t

Author Writes a Poem Inspired by My Painting

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My painting Xmas Time at the Ohio Theater is one of those that for some reason resonate with a lot of people at a deeper level. Not only I received great feedback from viewers, but it also got accepted into two juried shows: the 2020 Ohio Art League Fall Juried Show and the 2021 Bryn Du Art Show. Moreover, a few weeks ago,  Brenda Layman, a talented writer, surprised me with an email telling me that she was inspired by my painting to write a beautiful poem! When I read it, I felt so honored and humbled that I started thinking on how we could present them together. I ended up creating a video featuring both images of my painting and Brenda's voice reciting the poem. Below is the link to the video. Brenda Layman and I are both members of the National League of American Pen Women, a wonderful group of professional writers, composers, choreographers, and visual artists. You can learn more about our NLAPW Central Ohio Branch on the website NLAPW Central Ohio Branch Click on the image

Positive Attitude Is My Friend - My Thinking Process

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Keeping on the "Think-Positive Path" Pays Off 2020 has been a challenge under many aspects. However, as far as my artistic happenings, I can't complain. I've been lucky. Me in my studio painting  The Scioto Deer  I received many blessings this year.  How comes? Why me? I think most of the opportunities that came along in this crazy pandemic months have found an open door with me because I strive to look for the positive in people and in situations, and I am always ready to deal with the unexpected. Thinking Positive Helps One thing that really helped me stay sane during the pandemic is that I make an effort to entertain only positive thoughts. It's not always easy. It's a process that involves choosing to avoid negative thoughts and then catching yourself while thinking about bad things or bad outcomes and consciously changing gears. I Trust the Process When I am worried about something, I have two courses of action:  If I can do something about it, then I cho

March Sky - Colorful Painting of Columbus' LeVeque Tower

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March Sky Mixed media: paper and acrylic on wood panel 8"x10" see on my website I'm a big Harry Potter fan, I've read all the books several times, and of course watched all the movies, even more times. I love the fact that the Hogwarts March music score (from my kids' practice sheets... shhhh ;) is still visible under this night view of the LeVeque tower in Columbus, OH. There is a lot going on in this little painting, and it reminds me of the busy night life of the city. I really enjoy the challenge of creating semi-abstract mixed media painting using layers of paper, paint, and creating unexpected patterns with my hand-cut stencils.

The Colosseum From Mixed Media to Mural

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OMG, MY PAINTING IS ON A MURAL IN THE SHORT NORTH!! This year, I have been blessed with my art on a billboard ( see  previous post ) and now on a mural. Wow! My excitement might be slightly visible in the photo below... You know those times when you see other people accomplish something and you think, yeah, but they are amazing, I'm not even hoping for that. I'll do my own little thing. And then BOOM! it happens to you? Exactly. Wow. I'm enjoying every moment, don't wake me up yet, please. I'm very exited to that one of my paintings has been made into a mural in the Short North Arts District in Columbus, OH. The Colosseum Installed at 685 N. High St. on the South side of ROOH restaurant, facing Chase Bank. The Colosseum Mixed Media on wood panel 12"x12" Sold Thanks so much to the Marcia Evans Gallery for submitting my painting for the mural! And thanks to the Short North Arts District for sponsoring this wonderful program. This year is the seventh edition