Barbara Benstein

Mostly self-taught, Barb specializes in pastel and oil paintings of people and pets, as well as homes, cars and landscapes. After working as a graphic artist for 10 years, she began painting full-time in 1993. In 2008 she began teaching art to 6 – 8 year old kids at the Mainstreet Art Center in Lake Zurich, IL. “This is the age they need encouragement. It’s satisfying to see these young ‘Rembrandts’ grow as artists.” She now teaches art to teens and adults, as well as conducts workshops at the studio. Since the spring of 2026, Barb has moved to Colorado and is continuing her commission work there.