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Mike
Bennett was born at Chanute Air Force Base, in Rantoul, IL
where his father taught meteorology. Subsequently, his family moved to Chateauroux, France where his father was
transferred and continued to work in the field of meteorology at the
Chateauroux Air Station for the U.S. Air Force. Memories
of visiting Gothic cathedrals and country churches in France as a
toddler left an impression on him. He has painted many churches, farmhouses,
barns, and mountain cabins in his nostalgic paintings and has plans for many
more. In the
1960s his family moved to Southern California
where he has lived most of his life. He completed his schooling at California State
University, San
Bernardino, CA where he earned a
Bachelor of Arts Degree and a teaching credential in Art at the University of Redlands,
in Redlands, CA.
For
ten years he worked as a graphic artist for a construction supply company. During
this time, Mike also freelanced as an illustrator and commission artist. He
sold his paintings in art galleries in California
and to Columbia Magazine. He worked on special art commissions for famed
composer/conductor and priest, Alfonso DArtega.
Over
the years, he has licensed his art for many publications as greeting cards,
international stamps, paperback and hardback book covers, magazine covers,
newspaper illustrations, wood and cardboard jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch
designs, pixel hobby crafts, audio cassette covers, murals, metal signs, and
posters.He
married a beautiful young lady named Rene and they had three beautiful
daughters. All three of them are married and have wonderful husbands. Both Mike
and Rene also have beautiful grandchildren that have completed their life. Mike
believes that he was given this wonderful talent from God to bring a little
beauty to this troubled world.
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