Barbara Benda

Bull Moose on the Loose by Barbara Benda

“Bull Moose on the Loose” was recently sketched and painted while visiting Whitefish Lodge in Cross Lake,MN.  This beautiful lodge has a moose head mounted by the fireplace. One night after playing golf, Bev and I set up our watercolors and painted until midnight…we  let this moose come alive with a sketch, then threw some paint on him.  Have you ever wanted to do this sort of activity? It’s actually not difficult at all. I can show you how to do a sketch that focuses on observation and combines other techniques to sketch any object with ease. With 46 years of teaching experience, I’m confident you will succeed.

My sketching classes will take place in November and I encourage you to click on the links below to learn about the classes and get on the fast track for registration:

Seeing Things Differently: Two Part Sketching Course    November 5th and 12th, 1:00-3:30
at the Moorhead High Career Academy, 2800 27th Ave S  Moorhead, MN 56560

Let’s Sketch Figures! November 10th, 1:00-3:30 at the Moorhead High Career Academy, 
2800 27th Ave S  Moorhead, MN 56560

Sneak Preview Note: I will be teaching my Level 2 Designing Your Watercolors for Success  4-day workshop on January 11-14th. Registration will begin on November 16th. I will be promoting the registration of this course in an upcoming post. For now, get your sketching skills in order and you will be in top form like this Eastern Phoebe below! 

Phoebe by Barbara Benda

Green Heron on Village Green Pond by Barbara Benda ©2026

You are invited to partake in the 2026 Studio Crawl sponsored by the Fargo-Moorhead Visual Artists (FMVA)

Please download a brochure here and plan your visit to any of 37 individual studios.

When: 12-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4^th

Where: 809 North 20^th Street in Moorhead (my studio and gallery location on the Studio Crawl.)

What: Sketching demonstrations, learning about the creative process; original watercolors, acrylics and mixed media collages for sale at all price points

Frank by Barbara Benda ©2026

1) August 17-September 26th -The Rural Art Exhibit at the Red Door Art Gallery in Wahpeton at 418 Dakota Avenue. Beverly and I are both entered into this show. There will be a free public reception on September 10, from 5-7 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded. You are encouraged to vote for a People’s Choice award.

2) July 26- October 5th -FMVA Art Advocates Exhibition near the JC  Penney wing at West Acres in Fargo, ND. Beverly and I are both entered into this show that focuses on the work by art educators  in the community. On Saturday,September 12th, Beverly and I will be presenting a free SKETCHING demonstration from 10-3:00 at this location. Please stop by to get some free tips on sketching any subject.

3) August 20-September 17th- Red River Watercolor Society Time to Shine Member Art Show at MSUM in the Diederich Art Gallery in the Center of the Arts building  at 801 13th Street South, Moorhead, MN.  Free public reception held on August 20 from 5:30-7:30. I have three paintings exhibited in this show. There will also be a slide show of the RRWS National Show entries and award winners. You are encouraged to vote for a People’s Choice award. If you haven’t yet seen the Diederich Art Gallery, it is a beautiful space and the show is hung beautifully by curator Glen Henry. Gallery hours from August-May are typically:
Monday – Friday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

I encourage you to attend these exhibits and consider purchasing art to support local artists.