Artist Profile: Emily Bennett

Emily Bennett

Bio:

I'm a Kansas City based painter and illustrator, making art for myself and others. In the second grade, I wrote a list of qualities that made me special for a class assignment, and the first was that I drew good pictures - I guess my fate was sealed after that. I later studied art and illustration at the University of Central Missouri, then worked as a graphic designer for ten years. Once my girls were born, I was fortunate to be able to stay home with them, but also decided it was time to pick up my brushes again and pursue what I really loved, which was painting. My art represents places I've been and people in my life. I see so many inspiring things to paint on the internet, social media, etc., but I really struggle with painting something I don't have a personal connection to. My art represents the joy found in everyday life. I am a colorist. I spend lots of time mixing and layering color to create movement, balance and reflection in my work. My first love is acrylic paint, as it's what I learned to paint with, and I've always been drawn to it's versatility and quick drying times. Nowadays I paint in oils. I just really love the blending capabilities and richness they bring to a piece. Figures and nature are my favorite subject matter. The organic shapes really drive my hand and serve as the best vessels for color.