Leonard Benson was born in 1947 in Hobart, Tasmania and spent his early years as a draftsman for the Public Service.
The meticulous attention to design that is a feature of his work stems from this period. Benson studied with the Danish Artist Kurt Olsson and developed a style influenced by Modigliani and the School of Paris. Powerfully stylised, his work concentrates on the female form exquisitely balancing elegant geometries with affective content.
With uninhibited, spontaneous use of colour and composition. Benson uses oils and heightens the impact with wide bevelled frames. His works evoke romance and mystery with their sophisticated textures and subtle palette.
