Being self taught Benson considers himself fortunate to have achieved
such a large international following. "I paint my memories and interests and
collectors seem to connect with them," says Benson.
I remember having lot's of coloring books," recalls Benson. "As I got older I
found drawing came easily to me. In high school people thought I would pursue
a career in commercial art but designing cereal boxes under someone else's deadline
did not appeal to me at all. I ended up in all kinds of different jobs after high
school but I always enjoyed drawing and continued just for myself."
on two wheels -
at age twelve.
Greg says, "I still
remember that
mini bike. The
feeling I got twisting
that throttle. I rode
that thing every
chance I had.
I also tried my hand at customizing.
I didn't think lime
green was cool
enough so I spray
painted the frame
fire engine red.
Unfortunately I new
nothing about paint
and it all peeled off
a short time later.
No photo's have
survived of my first
motorcycle, a small
honda. I think I
was about 14 years
old when I bought it
for $50.00. I beat
the heck out of it and
it just kept on running."
worked for a sign company saw his work and said, "you should come and paint
billboards with me." Greg says, "I learned to paint very large and that was the
first time in my life I was paid to do something I loved."
Benson recalls, "the pay was great but I was miserable. I'd be running a
jackhammer outside in 20 degree below zero weather on top of huge buried
power lines. I remember thinking I've got to try something else. They would have
periodic layoffs and callbacks and during one of these layoffs I decided I'd try
and make a full time career out of art. At first it seemed I'd made a huge mistake."
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