ARTISTS

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Christen Benat is an oil painter known for capturing the unique essence of her subjects through light and color. Her journey into art began in childhood when her third-grade teacher introduced her to the Impressionists, and her creative mother encouraged her to start painting. After earning a degree in Communications from the University of Texas in 1985, Christen moved to New York City to pursue a career in advertising while studying graphic design and art direction at The School of Visual Arts.

In 1990, she returned to Dallas, where she launched a line of painted photo albums sold throughout the Southwest. Later, she spent nearly 15 years in visual merchandising and project management for a major retailer.  During this time, Christen felt a growing pull toward fine art, leading her to study oil painting at Southern Methodist University and refine her skills through intensive workshops with more seasoned artists. 

Since 2004, Christen has focused on commissioned portraits, with a growing interest in still life, figurative work, landscapes, and horses. A lifelong equestrian, she became the proud owner of an Arabian mare in 2008 and now incorporates equine subjects into her work. Christen is a member of the Cowgirl Artists of America, Oil Painters of America, and the Portrait Society of America.

She resides in Celeste, Texas, where she enjoys life on her farm with her husband, dogs, cats, and Arabian horses. 

For more of her work, visit christenbenat.com.