C. S. Lewis described life on earth as “the shadowlands” stating: “All the things that have ever deeply possessed your soul have been but hints of [heaven]…….tantalizing glimpses…..”  That is why I try to think of the wonders of this earth as tantalizing glimpses or reflections of what awaits. My purpose in painting is to acknowledge God in all that I paint, as I paint, as the paintings themselves reflect memories of people and places. Thinking of C. S. Lewis’ comments, I call my work REFLECTIONS of a JOURNEY. 

Ben Compton’s Artist Statement

Ben was and always will be an artist at heart. Just hours before he was to deliver the commencement address to his 1966 graduating class from Lexington High School in Lexington, SC he could be found painting the stoic portrait of a blue eyed Siamese cat. Having just completed a class in the popular painting medium, acrylics, at the Columbia Museum of Art under Jay Bardin, he was captivated with the art of painting. Graduation, however, meant concentrating on the challenging and creative field of architecture. Ben received his professional architectural degree from Clemson University in 1971. The curriculum there broadened his knowledge of sketching, drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture, while preparing him for his architectural career.

The artistic talents applied to years of professional practice as an architect have also been applied to the creative art of painting, primarily in oils. Studies began with local artists and teachers and continued with notable artists of national and international stature.  Lessons continued under such local artists and teachers as Randall McKissick, Blake Morgan, Michael Story, and included a session in portrait art with Jim Horton and a plein aire workshop with Karen Hagan.   Week long workshops with nationally and internationally known artists, Richard Christian Nelson, Kevin MacPherson, Daniel Keys, and Kathy Anderson have been highlights in the journey to continue learning.

Ben’s portfolio is constantly increasing, to include landscapes, still life subjects, portraits, and abstract interpretations. Travels abroad and across the United States feed a growing list of subject matter to be rendered and only a lifetime to accomplish the task.