Artist Highlight

Earnest "Ernie" Benton was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  He has been actively involved in artistic activities since 
early childhood.  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 juried into 
many shows, exhibitions and festivals. Because of his belief that art is the heart of community, he thrives to participate in 
public art projects and art education programs for children. 

In the early '90s, Ernie moved to the mid-Atlantic area.  It was there he rediscovered an interest and new love 
in his art.  His mediums of choice are acrylics and pastels.  Many of 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, grace, insightfulness, 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 participates 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, Georgia, West Virginia, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, New York,
Kansas, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and in the collection of Northlake College in Irving, Texas.