Shepard Hall showcases eclectic paintings by Marilyn Dover Benson with new exhibit, Realism versus Abstract: What Is Your Passion?

While her realistic landscapes aim to capture the world as we know it, acrylic artist Marilyn Dover Benson has described her vibrant, abstract pieces as “out of this world.”

Although the local painter enjoys working in both concentrations, she believes realism is the trickier of the two, at least in her experience, she said.

“Realism is a much more challenging mode, as everything has to be so detailed,” the Santa Maria-based artist said. “I use a small brush, it literally takes me hours, sometimes weeks, to capture all the fine details.” 

Fans of Benson’s work can look forward to finding paintings from both ends of the spectrum in her latest showcase, a new solo exhibition at Shepard Hall (located inside the Santa Maria Public Library). 

“Santa Maria Library’s Shepard Hall is a dream location for any artist; there’s lots of wall space and wonderful lighting,” said Benson, whose new exhibit is appropriately titled Realism versus Abstract: What Is Your Passion?

In Benson’s case, the answer to the titular question she raises is both, or simply painting in general, no matter what style or subject. 

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Benson was able to maintain a rigorous, self-imposed painting schedule—painting daily in her private studio, specifically from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Already a self-described homebody and introvert prior to stay-at-home orders, Benson felt grateful being able to continue painting from the comfort and safety of her own home during periods of quarantine. 

Now armed with a plethoric output of pieces she painted over the past year and a half, Benson has chosen 23 paintings to display in her Shepard Hall show, which premiered in early June and is scheduled to run through the end of July.

“My abstract pieces mostly have celestial titles,” said Benson, referring to ethereal paintings like Genesis, Let There Be Light, and other works included in the abstract side of the colorful exhibit.

Guests of the show are invited to compare and contrast Benson’s paintings that hail from both extremes, as the abstract pieces have been hung side-by-side with landscapes, portraits, still life pieces, and other works of realism. 

Sometime during the first week of July, the 23-piece show will get an upgrade to 24, as Benson is adding an additional painting to the exhibit, one she is calling her personal favorite animal portrait to date: a 36-by-36-inch acrylic painting of a horse, titled Pride of the West.

Even more of Benson’s animal-themed works, which include several other horse portraits, as well as cat and dog portraits, can be found online to view for free on her website. 

And alongside Benson’s new in-person show at Shepard Hall (admission to the exhibit is free during the Santa Maria Public Library’s regular hours), there are currently a handful of other Central Coast locations where viewers can find her artworks displayed, including the Santa Maria Airport.

“I am so pleased with them, and they add such a splash of color to the airport walls,” Benson said of her three poppy paintings hanging near the entrance of the airport’s baggage claim area.

You can also find one of Benson’s latest abstract seascapes, titled Surf’s Up, on display at Piper’s Kombucha in Orcutt. For Benson, one of the biggest incentives to uphold her aforementioned painting routine is the prospect of ultimately showcasing her works to the public through various venues and outlets.

“I adore painting and displaying my work, whether at the local airport or various shops around town,” Benson said. “It encourages me to pursue my passion of painting daily, and lose myself in whatever subject I wish to paint.”

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood likes getting lost too. Send him a map (preferably a treasure map) at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

This article appears in Jul 1-8, 2021.