A native of Northwestern North Dakota, Erin Redlin Benson, now a resident of Belgrade, Montana, has been a creative and adventurous person ever since she can remember. Her upbringing on a family farm ignited and enabled her love of the outdoors, while also giving her the time and space to begin her varied creative outlets. Her parents, Tim and Jenny Redlin, taught her about hard work, being oneself, and to respect the land and those around her. Since 2009, after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Art from NDSU, her focus has funneled to mostly oil and acrylic painting, as well as pastel/charcoal drawing, Fumage (smoke), and mixed media. Before moving to Montana, Erin had several exhibitions and commissions in the Fargo area.

Benson’s art is varied and eclectic, with a strong emphasis on color, faces, and animals, with added abstraction. Many of her paintings are scenes from her everyday life, as well as memories from the farm. Often, she depicts feelings and emotions from these moments with an impressionistic feel. The animals and faces in her art have unexpected color and vibrancy, utilizing dramatic light and fun compositions. Her portraits have frequently been requested for commission pieces.

Erin’s art has been displayed at several locations in Bozeman and Belgrade, including the M Café, Sotheby’s Realty, 406 Brewery, Valhalla, and Art Markets at Biome Slow Craft, among others. Currently, she is working on commission pieces, and is open to exhibit opportunities. Her art can be viewed at Lockhorn Cider in March, 2023.

Erin lives with her husband and two young boys in the foothills of the Bridger Mountains north of Bozeman, where she works from her at-home studio.