Biography
Bob has been a steady presence on the Sonoma Valley Art scene, he currently resides in Kenwood, and has built a new body of Northern California landscapes including vineyard and still life scenes. He considers commissions for watercolor portraits of exceptional homes, gardens and commercial properties.
Benson's background in watercolor began in 1990 in group shows with the Denver Watercolor Society, Boulder Artists Association and the Northern Colorado Arts Association. In 1995 he sold half of the works in his first one man show on opening night at the Genre Gallery in Denver, CO, where he continued to show and sell works until 1999. Corporate collectors include Schneider Securities (a grouping of 8 pieces in 1996). Other Gallery affiliations included The International Gallery in Denver ( 1996 ) and the Highlands Gallery in Breckenridge, CO ( 1997 ), and the Lily Rose Gallery in Santa Rosa in 2001. His paintings reflect his many travels and passions, the latest being works in the acrylic medium. Enjoy!
You can find Robert Benson at Chateau St Jean Winery in the Sonoma Valley where he serves as curator for their upstairs Art Gallery, as well as being their "resident artist" (and pouring a few glasses of wine now and then.) CSJ has purchased Bob's "Palm at the Chateau" for their permanent collection and giclee prints are sold at the winery. Bob came to Northern California in 2001 from Colorado where he was a successful art director and graphic designer for 25 years. Recent shows have included solo exhibitions at various Valley of the Moon wineries and art venues, including The Fig Cafe, Art at the Source Open Studios Tour in Sebastopol, and Artist Showcase series at the Plaza Arts Center in Healdsburg, CA where he participates in Artist Showcase exhibits.
Bob recently joined Aurora Colors Gallery in Petaluma as a Resident Artist. Visit http://www.auroracolors.com/categories.asp?cat=21