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I visited Anne at her home painting studio surrounded by her beloved succulent gardens. Here in Anne’s home of 31 years is whereart, nature and her three cats harmonize. Having met Anne a few years ago through the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild, I witnessed her commitment to the Guild as board secretary. Over the years Anne has held numerous positions on the Guild’s board and has been a dedicated volunteer. She remains active in the art world with a passion for art that spans many years as both an artist and teacher. Since our first meeting I have been curious about Anne and her art, so I was excited to have this time to learn about this unassuming and wonderful artist member of our Guild.

From the beginning Anne gathered no moss. Armed with a degree in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin, Anne ventured to the heart of Mexico’s art scene in San Miguel De Allende during thedynamic 1970s.

Originally an art educator in the US, she found herself in this vibrant community where a rich history of artistic expression had unfolded. Against the backdrop of an art colony established in the 1930s, Anne, secured a teacher’s assistant role, eventually earning her Master of Fine Art in the lively setting of San Miguel.

Following her MFA, Anne's journey led her back to Wisconsin. Faced with challenges in securing a teaching position, she pivoted her focus and earned a Master of Science degree in Plants and Soil from the University of Southern Illinois. The competitive landscape in the field of plants and soil prompted a career change so Anne embarked on her 15-year career in real estate, showcasing her adaptability and resilience. Anne's real estate career not only provided stability but also afforded her the time and finances to indulge in her passion for painting.

A real estate client opened the door to a group of like-minded artists whogathered weekly to paint and share their artistic journeys. This community became a source of inspiration for Anne. Ever the mover, Anne found her way to Silicon Valley and then eventually settling in Del Mar California, all the while she continued painting while managing her real estate responsibilities. She connected with the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild through Jean McNeil Sargent, who taught figure drawing locally.

Here in San Diego, Anne's artistic journey led her to study at Jeff Watts’ Atelier and then to find her niche with Sebastian Capella, with whom she studied for 8 years unt

il his passing in 2013. Anne has also dedicated a decade to teaching oil painting at Mira Costa community centers, exploring unique subjects such as the nocturnes. Anne even published a book on her experience teaching nocturnes titled “30 paintings in 30 days”. This year however she explains she will shift her focus to her own paintings, emphasizinglandscapes, seascapes, and plants. Anne's preferred medium is oils, a love cultivated during her time with Sebastian. Anne puts her experience into her work always striving to capture the emotional moments on to each painting.

Anne has been a pillar of the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild with a rich history in art and education. We invite you to log on to the RSF Art Guild website, click on the Member’s Gallery and browse through Anne’s posted works along with many other artists members’ work. Or if you are in the neighborhood stop by and say hello to Anne and her most beautiful and rambunctious cats Buster, Ava, and Heidi.

To contact the artist Anne Benkendorf send an email to [email protected]