Lonnie Benzel

Ilona (Lonnie) spent 30+ years in print shops and newspapers working for the state of NH’s 2nd largest daily paper, The Concord Monitor. She was a paste up artist and ad designer.
She accepted a job at a state run college, NHTI (New Hampshire Technical Institute), in Concord and was the sole artist doing all materials, folders, announcements, brochures and she redesigned the college catalogue turning it from a black and white nightmare to a piece of fine artwork that was never seen on that level at the college before.
She spent her spare time designing logos for local businesses (Omni Services, RockTech, Aesthetic Dental, Capital Well, East Coast Metal, Bianco Prof. Assn, Maine Drilling and more).
After the passing of her husband of 26 yrs Oil mixing and clean up was overwhelming. She was re-inspired finding acrylics at a yard sale. Even more exciting was an alcohol ink class and now she is focusing on mixed-media pieces (alcohol ink,Luminaire, acrylic and/or pastels.).
Her work is loose, impressionistic, yet often representational.
Having discovered the challenge of alcohol inks she enjoys more freedom. She's not a one trick pony adhering to one style or subject; which is atypical. There are many ways to envision the dim...

BA Commercial Art 1980. Fine art classes included.


Focus, Point, Shape INTERNATIONAL SHOW 'Sweet Summer Sun' theme 6/2017 Hon. Mention #47 Here Comes the Sun
NTERNATIONAL GALLERY OF ART: Canada 8/17 (IGOA online) 2 Selected 'Choice' Works in “Wild Animals" show: #14 Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright & #37 Ticket to Ride http://www.international-gallery.org/animals--wildlife-exhibition--2nd-annual.html 
Fusion Art INTERNATIONAL SHOW Honorable Mention 8/21 for #9 Sunset Grill “Skies” theme 
Colors Of Humanity Art Gallery SHOW 10/17 “Landscapes” theme #13 Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door & #35 New Horizons
LST INTERNATIONAL 10/17 “Seascapes” Theme Special Merit for #13 Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
Light, Light Space, Time LST INTERNATIONAL SHOW 2017 2 Hon. Mentions #7 Flower Garden #9 Sunset Grill 
Accepted at Kaleidascope art magazine

Bauhaus Prairie Gallery FIRST PLACE 9/17 for WILD CHILD. ’Movement/Time/Space’ Theme #23 Wild Child (Mislabeled)

LST INTERNATIONAL 11/17 “Nature” Theme Special Recognition #74 Come Sail Away
Colors Of Humanity “Animals” Theme 10/17 2 Artworks Special Recognition in art show #14 Tiger, Tiger & #74 Come Sail Away
LST INTERNATIONAL 12/17 “Textures, Patterns, Forms” Theme Won 4th place Painting 8th place Overall #8 RockWall Waterfall
LST (Light, Space Time) ...