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This site contains a collection of available original artwork
along with my upcoming art show schedule. If you are interested in purchasing any of my work, feel free to order online with our secure credit card server. If you have any questions about the artwork, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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ARTIST INFORMATION
Ben W. Essenburg was born in Oak Park, Illinois. He received a B.A. in English Literature from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and in 1970 moved to South Florida. He currently resides in Englewood, Florida, with his wife, Jill. They have raised four children. A self-taught artist, Ben has been painting and exhibiting professionally since 1975 and has participated in nearly every major Art Festival in Florida, receiving numerous awards. His work is included in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and South America, and has been featured in a number of magazines. He has published limited edition reproductions of over 30 different paintings, many of which have sold out.
"The paintings are primarily realistic portrayals of Florida wildlife and landscape rendered in acrylic paint on stretched canvas. I stretch my own canvas, using a very smooth, tight weave and then applying three or four additional coats of gesso thinned slightly with water and acrylic matte medium, wet sanding in between coats. I do this because I like a smooth surface to work on but prefer the springy feel of canvas to that of masonite or other boards. I then apply acrylic paint, building up numerous thin layers of color, working from the background to the foreground. I sketch in various compositional elements in either vine charcoal or pastel pencil as I proceed. The elements are painted from dark to light, and I make extensive use of glazes for intensity of color and semi-transparent washes for atmospheric effects. Finally, the entire painting is coated with acrylic gloss varnish to protect the surface and give it an even finish."
"While I occasionally use photographs for reference, I work primarily from memory and imagination. This allows me more freedom to concentrate on the overall impact of the painting. Since I am familiar with the subject matter, the images are quite realistic -- but my primary objective is not just accuracy but rather to communicate and share how I feel about what I am painting, to create a sense of time and space. The ability to perceive and appreciate beauty is a gift from God, and I am delighted to be able to participate in that process."
- Ben W. Essenburg
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Ben W. Essenburg
FLORIDA WILDLIFE ARTIST
ENGLEWOOD, FL
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ART SHOW SCHEDULE
| January 12 & 13 | | 14TH BONITA SPRINGS NATIONAL ART FESTIVAL - WINTER | | On US 41 at the Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs FL, Saturday and Sunday January 12 & 13, from 9am to 5pm. Space #152. | | http://www.artinusa.com/bonita |
| January 26 & 27 | | 26TH ANNUAL ENGLEWOOD BANK & TRUST INVITATIONAL ART FESTIVAL | | On the grounds of Englewood Bank and Trust, 1111 S. McCall Road, Englewood, FL 34223, Saturday and Sunday January 26 & 27 from 10am to 5pm. | |
| February 2 & 3 | | 13TH ARTFEST FORT MYERS | | Edwards Drive at Hendry Street in Historic Downtown Fort Myers, Saturday and Sunday February 2 & 3, From 10am to 5pm. | | http://www.artfestfortmyers.com |
| February 23 & 24 | | 34TH NAPLES NATIONAL ART FESTIVAL | | Cambier Park and 8th Street South in Naples FL, Saturday and Sunday February 23 & 24, 10am to 5pm. | | http://www.naplesart.org |
| March 16 & 17 | | 7TH PEACE RIVER NATIONAL ART FESTIVAL | | Laishley Park on the Peace River in Punta Gorda, Saturday and Sunday March 16 & 17, 10am to 5pm. | | http://www.boulderbrook.net |
| March 23 & 24 | | 32ND ANNUAL ROTARY CLUB OF ENGLEWOOD FINE ARTS FESTIVAL | | On West Dearborn Street in the heart of Olde Englewood Village, Saturday and Sunday, March 23 & 24 from 10am to 4pm | | http://www.englewoodrotary.org |
| April 6 & 7 | | 39TH TARPON SPRINGS FINE ARTS FESTIVAL | | In Craig Park on Spring Bayou at the west end of Tarpon Avenue, Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7, from 10am to 5pm. | | http://www.tarponspringschamber.com |
| April 27 & 28 | | MELBOURNE ART FESTIVAL '13 | | On New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne, Saturday and Sunday April 27 & 28, from 10am to 5pm, space #32. | | http://www.melbournearts.org |
| May 4 & 5 | | 50TH ANNUAL ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL | | On Centre Street in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Saturday and Sunday May 4 & 5, from 10am to 5pm, space #505. | | http://www.shrimpfestival.com |
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