Barbara Benton
About
Barbara Benton is an oil painter based in Oklahoma whose work embodies the spirit of living and loving. Born in Enid, OK, Barbara studied painting at the University of Central Oklahoma, where she graduated with a BFA. During her career as a professional fine artist, Barbara has created the artwork for the cover of Blue Wild Indigo, by James Jennings, has been awarded a place as a finalist in the national Members Only Competition of the Portrait Society of America, has been invited to participate as an emerging artist in the 2024 and 2025 OKC Festival of the Arts, has exhibited her work in a solo show at the Jane Champlain Art Gallery in Enid, Oklahoma, has been selected to participate in several fundraisers including the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition 12 x 12 Art Fundraiser, Allied Arts’ Artini, and was invited to participate in Oklahoma A+ School’s annual “The Art Auction” fundraiser, benefiting Oklahoma schools.
Barbara is a member of Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, Paseo Arts Association, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, and she is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She teaches oil painting at the Firehouse Art Center and the Norman Adult Wellness and Education Center and has been a Norman resident for over 20 years.
Q&A
How did you start pet portraits?
The first pet portrait I ever did was a gift for my brother, whose dog had recently passed away. I saw how creating a portrait of his dog was something special I could do for him that would preserve the memory of his pet in a really beautiful way.
What's your favorite animal to paint/sculpt/photograph etc?
I like painting both cats and dogs equally.
Do you have any pets? Are they an inspiration in your work?
I have one dog now named Perkins, a 15 year old bichon-shih tzu mix. My other dog, Muffin, a maltese, passed away a few months ago; she was fourteen years old. Both of my dogs were rescues, and both have been an inspiration for paintings.
Any advice for artist getting into pet portrait work?
Paint what you love.
Do you take commissions?
Yes! For commission inquiries, fill out the form on my website under "contact."