Meet Ben Bires | Painting Instructor & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Bires and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, how do you think about risk?
Gotta jump right in. Do your homework and research where you want to be. My wife and I moved to Colorado Springs almost six years ago from our small town in Western Pennsylvania with no jobs lined up. Just money saved up. We made the decision to start fresh and look for new opportunities before our hometown roots became too deep. That changed everything for us. I’ve learned that you have to take risks to make things happen. We’ve found our home here, and we love Colorado.

I took a risk when I opened my own business in 2019 to sell art professionally and teach fine art classes. The pandemic definitely took a toll on my small business, but I’m glad I stuck through it because now more than ever, I can tell that people want to do things for themselves, and I’m happy to help them build confidence and enjoy a creative outlet.

At one point, I was working four different jobs including teaching my Acrylic Landscape classes at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Oftentimes, I was drained and didn’t have the energy to work on my own paintings or properly prepare for my students. Took me until last year that I was able to move on from those jobs and find a balance teaching and painting full time at Cottonwood. I’ve been so thankful to have the support of my students and fellow artists to help keep me going. Now I can honestly say that I love what I do for a living.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Gotta admit I’m pretty stoked to look back at how far I’ve come as an artist and teacher, but I’m most proud of being able to help others enjoy a new spark in their lives with a creative outlet. I’ve built a curriculum based on painting landscapes, but it’s more than that. It’s something people can look forward to that can help them have fun doing something for themselves. And they might realize they actually can be good at it. Whether they make a career out of it or not, it’s all about enjoying the process and building confidence. Seeing them thrive off that feeling means the most to me. I’ll do whatever I can to make my students a better painter and help them interact with other creatives. I’m proud and happy to be a part of it.

My grandmother was the artist in the family. I grew up with her paintings of her travels from all around the world on the walls, cabinets, chairs, refrigerator, garage and basement. Literally everywhere. From a young age, she inspired me to follow in her artist footsteps, and I’ve always been drawn to nature because of her. In 2014, I earned a BFA from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania after having the opportunity to study art and travel to places like Badlands NP, Peru and Nicaragua. That really jump started my interest in traveling thanks to all the professors who made those trips happen.

I know there are lots of wonderful landscapes artists out there, but I’m trying to figure out how to make mine stand out. It can be a bit intimidating to see these extremely established artists on Instagram with thousands of followers drooling over their latest piece. Social media hasn’t always come so easy to me, but I’ve been working on building a following and putting out quality content to showcase what I do.

I’ve been working with acrylic paint for about seven years. Over the past couple years, I’ve been developing my own style playing with bold color and loosening up my brushstrokes to try and not to get caught up with the detail. For me, it’s all about capturing that emotion. That’s why I strive to finish a painting in one session, whether it’s less than one hour or five. Maybe add a touch up here or there the next day. Overworking happens, but I’m always learning. Gotta trust the process.

Another note, I never paint on a blank white canvas or panel. I will always choose a color to put down first and then paint on top of that. Usually it’s either a color I’d like to see more of or something that will help bring out some contrast. It’s exciting to see how it changes the end result. Then I block in my composition with an underpainting. This helps me be more efficient with the process of painting. I get all my colors mixed ahead of time and then go for it.

Overall, I just enjoy reliving the experience of traveling through my paintings, whether it’s at my home studio or at Cottonwood. I take lots of pictures for reference on our camping trips and hikes and bring them back to work on in the studio. Last year, I started to bring the painting on location and invested in some oil paints and a plein air easel. It’s been fun to paint from life and with another medium. Still figuring out how to handle the oil paint, but I’ve been enjoying it. Acrylic is still my strength and preference, but we’ll see where oil paint will take me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, you gotta check out Garden of the Gods. There’s nothing quite like it. A bit touristy and can be heavily trafficked, but worth seeing. I’ll take our dog to North Cheyenne Cañon Park for a nice hike. Lots of trails to choose from to get tucked away in the mountains and be next to running water. Red Rocks Open Space is also great for hikes. I’ve always called it Garden of the God’s little brother. Not as dramatic towering red rocks, but much more open with tons of trails. Quail Lake is a cool spot to fish and bring your paddle board or kayak. No motorized boats allowed, so that’s nice and quiet with an easy mile loop around the lake. And you might as well take the drive up to Pikes Peak, pretty cool views of the city. If you got time, go see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Or just go to visit and walk around. One of a kind venue.

First Friday Art Walk. Every first Friday of the month is a good chance to check out some local art at the many galleries around downtown Colorado Springs. Kreuser Gallery, G44, Art 1eleven, Alvarez Gallery Art School and The Space just to name a few. Pop into Cottonwood Center for the Arts and get lost in the hallways talking with artists in their studio space. Join a class or workshop for a creative outlet.

So many good food joints in the Springs. Shuga’s has always been a local favorite, very unique. Great vibe, honest food and tasty drinks. Their Spicy Brazilian Shrimp Soup is a must. Spice Island Grill is another must. Takes me back to the islands as soon as you walk in, and I love being on island time. Jerk Chicken. Yum. Phantom Canyon Brewery is our go-to brew pub. Nice chill spot downtown right in front of the foothills. Good food and beer with pool tables and darts on the second floor. COATI is a whole nother ball game, they’re bringing back the cafeteria/food court vibe. Plenty of restaurants inside with a couple bars. Order your food, get a drink and take a seat. Relax.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Family. Both blood and community. I want to dedicate my success to my supportive wife, Liv, my loving parents and the committed art community of Cottonwood Center for Arts for always believing in me.

Also would like to give a warm shout out to all my loyal students for keeping me going. Special thanks to all those encouraging people and mentors who’ve pushed me to get to where I am today. You pushers! Love yinz. You know who you are, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Thank you Friendbows.

Website: www.benbires.com

Instagram: @benbiresfineart

Facebook: @benbiresfineart

Other: ben.bires3@gmail.com – DM for originals commissions & private lessons www.cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com – sign up for a class or workshop

Image Credits
Personal Photo Credit : Liquid Luck Productions