Featured Artist: Wes Benson

Leawood native overcame addictions to paint a brighter future. See his work on display in the BGT lobby at 1WP.

Wes Benson, an accomplished American artist, has captivated national audiences with his semi-autobiographical paintings that fuse euphoria, luminosity and optimism.

Wes has an intriguing backstory, from lifelong artist, to drug addict and alcoholic, to paleontological enthusiast, to a survivor of attempted murder, to Mensa member. His life experiences and visual observations guide his art, each piece reflecting his journey and perspective.

Wes holds an MFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and a bachelor's degree in art history from the University of Kansas. Today, he works from his studio in the historic Bauer building in the Crossroads Arts District.

His style is unapologetically his own, guided by a simple philosophy: paint what he feels compelled to paint. Wes's paintings are often based on photographs, but he relies on color and light to enhance the original pieces.

Having overcome opioid addiction and alcoholism, Wes has been sober since February 27, 2017. His story of resilience is woven into his creative expression, turning his art into a celebration of survival and the human spirit. He credits much of his growth to his journey of recovery and sees each day as a fresh opportunity, a philosophy that has kept his art evolving. In addition to painting, Wes runs an AA Recovery group called Freethinkers KC, where he supports others on their paths to healing.

His artistic journey has also been shaped by his fascination with paleontology. For the last several years, Wes has joined a small team from the University of Kansas to dig for dinosaur fossils in Montana and North Dakota. This experience adds another layer to his artistic expression.

Wes has exhibited his artwork in various galleries in Kansas City, including Weinberger Fine Art, the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center and Flock Salon and Gallery. His work has also been shown in Bentonville, Arkansas, and other cities, as he continues to expand his audience.

Wes’s artistic reputation has garnered media attention, leading to features in several local publications, and his artwork has been showcased in outlets such as ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Dirt Rag magazine.

Wes has taught drawing, painting and various forms of digital and traditional illustration at the college level, including at the Kansas City Art Institute and Park University.

Wes is also an author and humorist. His book "Without the Burden of Sanity" is a humorous take on life and art.

To view his work online, or learn more about him, check out his website at wesbenson.com.