Ernie Benton

Earnest "Ernie" Benton was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  He has been actively involved in artistic activities from 
early childhood to the present.  He is a self-taught artist who started making sketches with pencils at a very young age.    
His interest in drawing, sketching, and painting grew tremendously during his early school years.  As his talent developed he put 
it to use for school plays, art contest and competitions, and generally wherever there was an opportunity for his artistic creativity.  
Through the years, Ernie has worked to develop his distinctive artistic style and craft producing several notable pieces, some by 
special request for private auctions and individuals.  He has competed in and won many art competitions and has been a selected 
for several juried shows while gaining a solid reputation as an artist.

In the early "90's, Ernie to move to the mid-Atlantic area.  It was there that he rediscovered an interest and new love 
in his art.  His mediums of choice are acrylics and pastels.  His pieces are evocative of the great Picasso in geometry and form; 
yet display a truly unique approach.  The colors and mood of each piece gives the beholder a sense of wholeness and peace.  
To Ernie, art is essential to the human experience.  A basic understanding and appreciation of the arts serves to broaden character 
and deepen the connections with those in our social circles (A Passion for Jazz!, 2007).   

Ernie and his wife now reside in North Texas and he continues to pursue his artistic endeavors.  Ernie is actively involved 
in local art activities, public art projects, and participate in selective art festivals and private and public art exhibitions. 

Ernie's paintings are highly collected and hang in fine homes and private collections across the United States including California, Virginia, 
Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, New York, and in the collection of Northlake 
College in Irving, Texas.

Solo Exhibitions 
 
North Lake College Solo Exhibition - Irving, TX - 2007
The Blues & Jazz Experience Art Exhibition Two Artist Exhibition 
Irving Arts Center - Irving, TX - April - Sept 2008
55 Degrees Wine Bar & Bistro - Plano, TX - Nov 18, 2008 - Feb 28, 2009
Barnes and Nobles Book Sellers - Denton, Texas - 2008
Farmers Branch Manske Library Gallery - Framers Branch, TX - 2007,  2009
Marshall Motors - Dallas, TX - Oct 20, 2009 - Jan 31, 2010
Buttons Restaurant - Fort Worth, TX     - Nov 21, 2009 - Feb 28, 2010