Phyllis Case Bennett
artist's statement

I have done art all of my life.  I graduated from the University of California as an Art Major.

I have been greatly influenced by the California School of Watercolor Painters.  Independent study gave me the opportunity to study with many of the great artists that created this important movement in American painting.

I have also studied traditional Chinese painting at the China Academy of Fine Art in Hangzhou, China and in America.  My work has been exhibited in the United States and in China.  I am a Signature Member of Watercolor West. I teach classes in both Chinese Brush Painting and California Style Watercolor.  The joy of making art prevails and continues to be my passion.

”All real works of art look as though they were done with joy.”  -Robert Henri

I paint in response to the perpetual lights, shadows, colors and forms around me…

I teach because it causes me to focus on what’s really important…students are stimulating, critical and inquisitive…

I work on location whenever possible, because this is the best way for me to perceive things…

I travel to extend this experience…I travel because art is a universal language…
I work in water media because it is direct, quick, responsive, and clean…

I do oriental brush painting for the discipline of mental preparation necessary to create the illusion of spontaneity…for it is said, “if one is to be free one must practice discipline…”

I paint because I have to….