Robie Benve Art

"Monarch Butterfly" 9"x12" Acrylic on canvas panel                                              I painted this for the  Paint and draw together monthly challenge. I really enjoyed the challenge, it was great to have a deadline for the completion, and seeing how other people painted the same subject. Of course the painting did not come out the way I had it in my head, but it's different in a good way.  The most difficult part was to render the light/shade effect, especially on the sticks and the leaves. Overall, I have to admit it's not bad for a beginner. :)

Colorful Landscape Painting 18"x24"    Acrylic on canvas panel                                        I found my inspiration for my second painting on the cover of the "Acrylic Artist" magazine: a painting by Mark Gould, "My neighbor's house 832".  I loved the colors and the composition of Mark's piece, with the hilly path going to the horizon and the sharp homes that contrast the natural landscape. I tried to replicate the same feelings on my canvas. I really enjoyed experimenting with color. :) I hope one day I'll be able to take a landscape scene and make as colorful and interesting as this one all on my own, without having to copy another artist.  - Hey, did I just referred to myself as an artist? Acrylic Artist magazine cover

Butterfly painting for my daughter's bedroom 16"x12"  Acrylic on canvas                                           I painted this for my daughter's bedroom, inspired by a similar one I saw in a store. Many times, my whole life, I have been thinking "I could do this, copy it just the same." when I saw an artwork. This time it was my girl that saw an artwork that she wanted for her room, and I said "Honey, I can do that for you, and we can savev the money." It was one of those life changing moments. Because it was kind of a promise to my daughter, I actually did it. I broke the ice, got an old canvas I had in the house, on which my son had doodled with some paint, and I painted it pink, then I drew and painted the butterfly, grass, and ladybugs. I added some sparkles for the fun of it. My first official painting, and she loved it! :)