About the Art

I am an abstract painter, and I work primarily in watercolors with mixed media elements on paper. I’m inspired by the interplay of colors, shapes, and uneven lines, and I love the fluid, unpredictable nature of watercolor paints. I work very intuitively: I always have a starting point - a particular color combination or focal point - but then I just go wherever inspiration leads me, often surprising myself! 

My work is very influenced by nature, and I find myself particularly drawn to loose rounded shapes, which have become a recurring motif in much of my work. I often include botanical elements in my artwork, most of which have deep personal significance for me - reminding me of cherished people and places in my life.

Watercolors are my first love, but painting, playing, and experimenting with a wide variety of art materials brings me great joy. My worktable is crowded with acrylic paint pens, metallic markers, water-soluble pencils & crayons, and collage papers. Discovering new and compelling ways to use these materials - and tapping into my creative impulses - keeps me very busy! Recently I’ve even begun adding embroidery to some of my pieces.

I use heavy-weight, 100% cotton paper in my work. I particularly love handmade paper with deckled (uneven) edges, although I often use more traditional paper with straight edges, as well. The descriptions of each piece will note which kind of edge it has. When framing my work, I recommend float-mounting the deckled-edged pieces so the edges are visible. I also resist the notion that all art on paper needs to be framed. Let me know if you’d like some suggestions for hanging unframed paintings.

This website serves as a portfolio, and it highlights a small sampling of my work. I will update this website from time to time, but I also invite you to follow me on Instagram - www.instagram.com/jocelynbenford - where you will be able to see my most current work.

Occasionally the pieces on this site will be identified as “On Hold,” which means either that the piece has been submitted for consideration at a gallery or exhibition, or that there is an interested buyer. If a piece becomes available again, I will update its status.

I paint nearly every day, so I have an ongoing and robust archive of work. If you like my style but don’t see just what you’re looking for here, feel free to reach out to me and I can try to match you with something I have on file.

Take a Class With Me!

I occasionally hold Abstract Watercolor Painting Workshops in my studio. I am currently residing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and I’m in the planning stages of a 4-day destination workshop to this beautiful and inspiring place. More details to follow…

I will be leading an upcoming painting workshop on safari in South Africa, March 1-8, 2026. Check out the website to learn more: Luxury South African Art Retreat.

I am open to developing private classes for individuals or small groups, as well. Please contact me for more information.

Here’s what some of my workshop students have said:

  • "You are both a gifted artist, and a great teacher -- clear, organized, step-wise in your instruction, and encouraging to all. A perfect combination." - M.J.

  • "The workshop exceeded my expectations. I came home and was able to create pieces on my own after Jocelyn's generous and detailed teaching. The mix of painting time and all the extracurriculars made this workshop unique." - K.P.

  • "You listen so well and respond so positively to people. It makes the learning process very pleasurable." - H.C.

  • "Thank you so much for these 4 days! I'm so glad I gave myself this unforgettable gift!" - S.B.

I also have a 90 minute online class available through Etchr Studio. In this video class you can learn about some of my favorite art materials, practice some of my techniques, and follow along as I demonstrate two different projects. Etchr Studio is a subscription-based website that offers a wide variety of art courses for a yearly fee. However, they usually offer a 7-day free trial, which would enable you to view my class and decide whether the subscription is right for you. Here is the link for access to my class on the Etchr Studio website: Abstract Watercolour and Mixed Media Botanicals

Some favorite reviews from the Etchr class:

  • I so enjoyed your class yesterday and have the pieces I finished hanging on my studio wall for future inspiration! You are a wonderful teacher, and it was a very well paced class so that I was able to keep up. Sharing your techniques was so valuable, and I’ll enjoy using them - maybe I’ll even be able to come up with some of my own!!!! I’d love to see future classes with you. - A.K.

  • It was a fantastic class. I’d love you to do another one. I felt as though I learned so much and shared it to my grid where I have had some lovely feedback which is motivating me to do more. I…really enjoyed the process. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. - T.B.

  • Great job on the class, it was wonderful to be able to paint along with you, perfect pace! - K.M.

  • I really enjoyed the class. I learned lots of new techniques and it was very well done and paced. Thanks for sharing your time and talent. - J.B.