Watercolor 101: You can paint a Giraffe!

Wild Hare Gallery

212 N Poinsett Hwy, 29690, Travelers Rest, SC, United States

Joann Benzinger

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BiographyJoann’s use of photography as a means of expression began with film and has journeyed to include digital and  alternative methods.  Her work has roots in more traditional media but has expanded to include unusual print surfaces such as vellum with gold leaf, aluminum cans and image transfers to wood.Joann shares her work at local art shows, galleries and personal exhibits.  She teaches classes at Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Spartanburg Art Museum and Wild Hare Gallery, as well as gives private lessons in photography, iPhonography, digital processing including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and alternative processes such as image transfers and cyanotypes.Owner - Wild Hare Gallery, Travelers Rest, SCFounding Member - White Rabbit Gallery, Travelers Rest, SCMember - Travelers Rest Artist AllianceMember/Instructor - Greenville Center for Creative ArtsInstructor - Spartanburg Art MuseumArtist StatementIt amazes me how photography has changed in just the relatively short time I have used it as my means of creative expression.  I started with film in a darkroom and was certain I would never consider (ugh) digital photography as my primary tool.  Now it is not only my primary tool but my first choice.  Seeing these changes and embracing them has secured my status as a life long student and I am thrilled to be able to offer classes that share some of the things I’ve picked up along the way.I primarily shoot digital photography using my Nikon Z6 or D7100 or (believe it or not!) my iPhone.  I do my post-processing on an iMac using Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter. Incorporating my own digital textures adds a personal touch to my work. Part of the art of photography is choosing a print medium that fits the image - my choices include archival quality canvas, fine art watercolor papers, transparencies for image transfers, vellum and fine art photograph papers in smooth or natural fibers printed on my Epson Stylus Pro 3880 printer.  I love to experiment - my favorite question is “I wonder what will happen if I try this?!”  That curiosity has led me to printing on alternative surfaces such as aluminum cans and non-typical papers as well as and trying different styles of image transfers.