Ernie The Artist Blog

Earnest D. Benton, Jr., was born and raised in Chicago, IL.   He has been actively involved in artistic pursuits most of his life. He is a self-taught artist whose  interest in drawing, sketching, and painting grew tremendously during his early years.

His mediums of choice are acrylics and pastels.  His palette is a mixture of earth tones, cool pastels, and vivid primary colors that focus on styles, texture, and form.  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 uses his art as an opportunity to inform, educate, and ignite the interest of art lovers and students.  He creates paintings that depict the sounds, flavor, and vibrations of life and hopes that in some small way he generates an opportunity for communication and understanding.

Many enjoy his award winning paintings and his art hangs in fine homes and private collections across the United States.  Ernie’s paintings have been used on advertisements for local and national juried art competitions, and he has competed in and won more than a dozen awards ranging from best of show to honorable mention.  He is actively involved in local art activities, public art projects,  and participates in selective art festivals and private and public art exhibitions.  Visit Ernie’s website at http://www.strictlyearnest.com.