Mary Benson grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, spending countless afternoons at the kitchen table painting alongside her sister. That early exposure to creativity sparked a lifelong passion for art, which she later pursued while studying at Clemson University. She now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Cliff, and their dog, Gus.

Deeply inspired by the outdoors, she finds meaning in the freedom and connection that comes from time spent in nature—whether swimming in the ocean or hiking in the mountains. Through her work, she aims to bring the joy and peace of God’s creation into people’s homes.

Her artistic style draws influence from post-impressionism and fauvism, incorporating stained glass–inspired shapes and bold, expressive color. By layering textured oil paint over acrylic washes and using dynamic line work, she creates vibrant compositions that celebrate the beauty of the natural world and invite moments of calm and reflection.