Brad Bennett has been painting pictures his whole life. He has worked his way up from mud pies and finger painting into one of the premiere watercolorists in America, and for that matter the world.

Bennett's beginnings are humble. He was born into a middle-class family of four boys at the head of the order. He was educated since age three through parochial schools finishing his college degree at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education.

Brad has been and continues to be very industrious in the true entrepreneurial spirit. He has been hard at work since he was eleven years old as a paperboy. Brad has been his own boss since he was in college back in the 70's as he worked his way through the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

"Cleveland" represents the 8th fine art book Bennett has published since 1981 featuring only his illustrations and writings. His first "book" was released in 1981 entitled: "Kenosha" for his home town. This collection of lithographs and narratives was an immediate success in the sales category and also received numerous awards both locally and nationally.

As a result of his award-winning artwork Bennett was elected into membership in two very prestigious professional groups: The Wisconsin Watercolor Society, and the Society of Illustrators (N.Y.). He shows with both groups.

Bennett's artwork has become one of the hottest business gifts as evidenced by the explosion of popularity among the Fortune 500 who regularly seek out Bennett's art to share with clients, customers and friends. This includes the Mayor of Chicago. Mayor Daley has written the introduction to Brad's book: ""Chicago, Too" and in it says: "... I have shared my enthusiasm for it (Chicago) with guests ranging from ordinary citizens to heads of state. Many of these have received the first volume of Brad Bennett's work , "Chicago", as a memento of their visit. In "Chicago, Too" Brad has again caught the spirit of our city and delivered it to us."

The limited edition books are registered with the Library of Congress under the classification of American history. This is unique in publishing due to Bennett's ability to combine his illustrations with his narratives in describing the American landscape.

His work "The United States of America" (Vol. I) was used as a protocol selection by the State Department for the White House in the 80's resulting in some interesting people receiving personalized copies. One of those was the Premiere of the Soviet Union who extended an invitation to the artist to visit Moscow as the guest of the Union of Artists of the U.S.S.R. He went to Russia in 1989 and made several new friends.

Bennett's largest single publication to date is called "America's Baseball Temples" and is a series of paintings on all of the baseball parks in use since 1990. The single most memorable aspect of that project is the fact that up to 24 retired baseball players were scheduled to autograph the limited edition prints as they were finished. This is unprecedented.

He is currently working with Golf Digest magazine in developing his newest title: "Golfing The World" which is comprised of 100 paintings and stories about golf. This is due out in 1999.

Commissions have been completed for dozens of private and corporate collectors, as a well as : The U.S. Coast Guard, N.A.S.A, Spiegel, Remy Amerique, the Midwest Stock Exchange, the Chicago Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Tourism Bureau of Greater Cleveland and many more.

His works in print have been featured in several direct-mail catalogs including: Playboy, American Express, Hammacher-Schlemmer, Diners Club, Sky Mall, Spiegel and others. As an A.S.I. producer his works in print are featured in award catalogs produced by some of the largest in the industry. Literally thousands of people have received Bennett's artwork as a benefit or a gift from hundreds of companies across this country. The numbers are expected to grow into the millions of people to receive copies of his originals in the years to come.

The demand for works in print have naturally pushed prices for originals higher every year. Current values range between high 4's and low to mid 5's. Acquisitions of original watercolors is highly recommended.

Some of the most recent articles about Brad Bennett and his artwork:

• Cardinals Magazine Aug. 94 by Myron Holtzman.
• Chicago Tribune July, '94 by Shirley Barnes
• Between the Vines, June '94 by David Axelson
• American Bar Association Journal, Oct. '93 by Editor
• The Counselor, Nov. '93 by Arn Bernstein
• Potentials in Marketing, Aug. '93 by Editor
• Sport Shop News, July '94 by John Mortimer
• Power and Speed, June '94 by Editor
• Robb Report, Aug. '94 by Janice Stillman
• Incentive, Dec. '93 by Editor
• Sports Collector's Digest, Aug. '93 by Editor
• Press Publications, July '93 by Bruce Douglas
• Collector Editions, Dec. '93 by Stephen Cronk
• Tuff Stuff, Oct. '93 by Editor
• Meetings & Conventions, Feb. '94 by Lisa Grimaldi
• Commerce Magazine, Jan. '90 by Ray Minkus
• Cleveland Plain Dealer, July '96
• Crain's Cleveland Business, July '96

Brad can be reached directly at his studio in the suburbs...

RETURN TO HOMEPAGE
About Chicago Gifts | Online Gift Store | Related Links | Contact Us