Mary Benke
Loveland, Colorado
Mary Benke became interested in painting in college, earning degrees in journalism and English at the University of Southern California, while also taking oil painting and drawing classes. After working as a magazine editor/graphic designer for over 20 years, she rediscovered fine art by taking watercolor classes in 2003 and pastel classes in 2005, as well as workshops in both media. She enjoys painting both realistic and impressionistic studies of wildlife, water, oceans, travel scenes, and flowers.
She lives near Carter Lake in Loveland, CO, with her husband, Mark, and children Lauren and Tyler.
Through her paintings, Mary attempts to convey her feelings about her subject matter, whether it be a still life of treasured items, a scenic landscape from her home in Colorado’s foothills, an intriguing place from her travels, or flowers and wildlife in her own backyard. She has painted still lifes and florals; scenes from the Caribbean, Greece and Rome; landscapes from Rocky Mountain National Park; and images of interest to her fly-fisherman husband, ballet and jazz dancer daughter, and wildlife-loving son.
She is drawn to the luminosity of watercolor and the vibrant textures of pastel, and paints in both mediums, depending on the subject. She also enjoys the challenges and rewards of plein air painting.
"High Country Friend"
"Window"
"Wild Horses"
"Learning to Walk on the Edge"
"Continental Falls"