By guest artist Karen
Bennett of Kokomo, MS
My Journey with art started about
13 years ago when I walked into an Artist’s studio and ‘Felt’ the flowing water
and gentle breeze from the canvas on her easel. Art is not only in the ‘Eye of
the Beholder’ but also the ‘Emotion of the Soul’—Karen Bennett.
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| Karen- Honorable Mention, SMAA WCU Show, 2018 |
“ I have to do this!” was my thought. From that day forward I have sat under many
teachers from across the nation to learn and grow as an artist.
The expression of the soul on canvas is such an emotional and beautiful thing. To call myself an ‘Artist’ is quite a humbling title; for my visual art journey began later in life. The more I learn, the more I learn what I do not know. But the journey is worth it!
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| Light in Darkness, 2017 SMAA, WCU Show |
The expression of the soul on canvas is such an emotional and beautiful thing. To call myself an ‘Artist’ is quite a humbling title; for my visual art journey began later in life. The more I learn, the more I learn what I do not know. But the journey is worth it!
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| Plein Air Photo, courtesy of Cooper French |
After years of studio painting, I
attended a workshop and learned about Plein Air painting. That was such an awe
inspiring moment. To me plein air painting was like standing next to the Great
Artist in His house (landscape); soaking in the beauty all around. To attempt
to paint on canvas what I see around me is such an awesome privilege. I feel
His presence all around. Plein Air painting on vacations is a great way to
document my adventures and the beauty of our nation.
In January, 2017 I signed up for
the Strada Easel 31 day ‘Painting from Life’ challenge to paint something
(still life, figure or plein air, if weather permitted) from life, every day
for 31 days. At the end of the month, everyone that participated everyday would
have their name in a drawing for a Strada easel. I really wanted a strada easel
and knew that painting everyday would be a great opportunity for growth, so I
signed up. I made a commitment to myself to paint plein air everyday, no matter
the weather. I figured a few cold days, but nothing bad; this is South
Mississippi, we wear t’shirts at Christmas.
I was in for some extreme challenges.
We had some of the coldest days, stormy days with tornadoes in our
neighboring city, Icy days, windy days, rainy days and a few sunny days. What a
challenge I signed up for, willingly. This turned out to be a great challenge
with great rewards. Yes, rewards, plural.
The perseverance to get outdoors everyday, no matter the weather and find a subject to paint took planning and organization. I ‘had’ to plan and prepare meals, watch the weather forecast, organize and schedule appointments and activity to allow ‘paint time’.
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| Summer Sunset in Cedars Show, 2017 |
I was in for some extreme challenges.
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| 2017 Plein Air Strada Art Challenge |
The perseverance to get outdoors everyday, no matter the weather and find a subject to paint took planning and organization. I ‘had’ to plan and prepare meals, watch the weather forecast, organize and schedule appointments and activity to allow ‘paint time’.
At first, my husband said ‘you’re crazy painting in this kind of weather’, then he started helping me find locations around the farm and community to paint and helping me watch the weather forecasts and then by the end of the month he stood at the door watching me paint the hay in the pasture and told me when I came inside “I’m proud of you and your dedication to this challenge and I want you to order that easel, you deserve it with all the hard work you’ve done to see it through.”
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| Karen with husband Danny |
Hearing him say how proud he was of me for following through no matter what, was a Bonus I had not expected, regardless of getting a new easel! I didn’t win the easel, but did order it a few months later, with his insistence.
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| Plein Air Art in Oddfellows Gallery Hattiesburg Photo credits to Oddfellows. |
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| 2nd place 2017 SMAA Christmas Show |
Thanks for allowing me to share part of my journey and my hope is that it has
encouraged you to persevere and find that inspiration in your soul. I’m still growing & learning
while presently considering the next monthly challenge. Stay tuned…..
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| 2018 New Art Studio |
Bio….
Karen is married to her wonderful husband, Danny. They operate their
third generation family Dairy Farm in South Mississippi, where she gets most of
her inspiration for her paintings. She also enjoys traveling with Danny across
the nation while plein air painting their adventures. She has studied under
many renowned artists from across the nation. Galleries representing Karen’s
art are: Oddfellows Gallery in Hattiesburg, MS, Artwistic Revolution Art
Gallery in Columbia, MS and Gulf South Art Gallery in McComb, MS. She is also a
member of local and national Art associations.
Karen invites you to follow her Art Journey on Facebook at Karen Bennett Art, Instagram at Karen Bennett Art and her Website at www.karenbennettart.com
A big thanks to Karen Bennett for her story!
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