We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Benton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.

John, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Wow, so the answer is from childhood. It’s funny to me how creativity comes very naturally. As a child I was very easy to babysit. My family knew that paper, glue, markers or paint, and some scissors would keep me occupied for hours. I spent hours cutting and deconstructing boxes and making something new from something old. I had such a hard time focusing in school. All I wanted to do was draw, and my mother was called to school to speak to the teachers. As I grew up my desire was to pursue some type of artistic path.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Well this is a relatively deep question. Once I graduated from high school I chose not to attend college and go straight into the work field. I did not have anyone who encouraged me to pursue art for a living, and I was also color blind. People are very shocked when I tell them this because they do not understand what that really means. I actually had people ask if my vision was like a Xerox machine. My color blindness added more stress to my life and made me very insecure about showing my work. However, I always had some type of job in an artistic field. I spent years in the silkscreen garment industry, mostly in management, and also spent years in construction and historic restoration. It was a creative avenue for me because I always had this longing to paint and sell my work, but I was afraid. One day when I found myself in my late 50’s, and with encouragement from my wife, I decided that I was going to paint what I wanted and in colors I appreciate and enjoy. It did not matter if anyone liked it or not, and that is exactly what I did. I have a very unique pallet and style of painting. My work is bright and whimsical! I will agree that my work isn’t for everyone, but what I am finding is that our new generation of art lovers are not looking for a Picasso, but they want something lighter and fun and I happen to fit that niche. My first professional show was a success! I sold an overwhelming amount of original paintings, reprints and greeting cards. Now I am in my third year and slowly getting into more shows. The shows can run into the $600.00 range, which means you have to make sales to cover the cost of entry, travel and hotel. There is a lot involved, not to mention a way to transport your work and tents for the shows. Now I wish I would have started sooner.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s funny, I just really love creating art. When I’m showing at an art show I see people walk by my booth and smile! That is rewarding! I know I did my job! I have been able to do a few repeat shows in the same towns and have had collectors come back each year to buy more of my art. It’s the best feeling! It still shocks me that people like my work.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

School promotes higher education and that is fine. But many artists just want to create art and sell it. I wish there had been a way when I was younger to understand the business of art shows and how to get into them. Galleries are my next goal, but sometimes it depends on who you know. But I will keep moving forward with my creative goals.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @colormesimple2
• Facebook: John Benton