Ben Bauer
American, 1980
Ben Bauer draws inspiration from the rich landscapes of forests and high plains in the upper Midwest, fueling his dedication to “recording a natural history” through his artwork. Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bauer developed a profound connection to the outdoors, nurtured by family traditions of summer excursions and annual duck-hunting trips. These experiences instilled in him an awareness of the delicate balance within ecosystems, particularly in an era where open land faces rapid depletion in the name of economic development.
Born in 1980, Bauer’s upbringing immersed him in the cycles of nature, allowing him to observe the gradual transitions of the seasons. This intimate perspective shapes his artistic vision, as he translates the subtle tonal shifts of a winter landscape or the vibrant emergence of spring into his paintings.
Bauer's journey into art began with a childhood passion for cartooning, which evolved into a focus on wildlife scenes. Influenced by renowned wildlife painters like David Maass, he participated in the Minnesota Junior Duck Stamp competition, earning first place in his age group among 1,100 entries. This early recognition motivated him to pursue every art course available in high school, eventually majoring in painting at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. There, he cultivated his style under the guidance of professors who encouraged his unique artistic voice.
Continuing his education online, Bauer has explored art history and connected with contemporary artists, broadening his perspective and enriching his practice. His work reflects a commitment to preserving the landscapes he cherishes, whether through prairie restoration or land stewardship initiatives aimed at protecting farmland from development.
Bauer's paintings convey a strong sense of place, capturing the essence of environments like Elmo Creek in early spring or the expansive horizon of winter wheat fields. Recently, he has delved into the dynamic nature of oil paint, using it to express the ever-changing qualities of seasonal cycles. His work is a testament to both his artistic evolution and his enduring dedication to the natural world.
Born in 1980, Bauer’s upbringing immersed him in the cycles of nature, allowing him to observe the gradual transitions of the seasons. This intimate perspective shapes his artistic vision, as he translates the subtle tonal shifts of a winter landscape or the vibrant emergence of spring into his paintings.
Bauer's journey into art began with a childhood passion for cartooning, which evolved into a focus on wildlife scenes. Influenced by renowned wildlife painters like David Maass, he participated in the Minnesota Junior Duck Stamp competition, earning first place in his age group among 1,100 entries. This early recognition motivated him to pursue every art course available in high school, eventually majoring in painting at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. There, he cultivated his style under the guidance of professors who encouraged his unique artistic voice.
Continuing his education online, Bauer has explored art history and connected with contemporary artists, broadening his perspective and enriching his practice. His work reflects a commitment to preserving the landscapes he cherishes, whether through prairie restoration or land stewardship initiatives aimed at protecting farmland from development.
Bauer's paintings convey a strong sense of place, capturing the essence of environments like Elmo Creek in early spring or the expansive horizon of winter wheat fields. Recently, he has delved into the dynamic nature of oil paint, using it to express the ever-changing qualities of seasonal cycles. His work is a testament to both his artistic evolution and his enduring dedication to the natural world.
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