Ben Konis (New York / Texas / New Mexico, 1924-2006), New Mexico church and snowy path, pastel on paper, signed lower left

sight: 11 x 14 in., frame: 16.5 x 19.5 in.

Provenance: Property from the personal collection of a long-time Wichita Falls, Texas antiques dealer

en Konis was an internationally recognized artist and influential art instructor, celebrated as a maestro of both pastel and oil painting. His work, known for its high level of technical skill and versatility across these two media, earned Best of Show honors in numerous national competitions and was widely collected and featured on the cover of The Artist Magazine as well as in other art magazines and books. Konis was the first recipient of the American Artist Achievement Award in Pastel Instruction and became a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and an honorary member of New York’s Salmagundi Club, as well as an honorary member of the Lone Star Pastel Society. His career as an educator spanned 37 years, during which he conducted seminars at more than 100 locations throughout the United States, more than a dozen international venues, and even aboard a cruise ship; he also became the first artist invited by Aramco to teach art in Saudi Arabia following Desert Storm. His extensive teaching career and encouragement of students made him an important influence on generations of artists, while his own achievements included two Best Artist awards by popular vote in the Amarillo Globe-News’s Best of Amarillo and a nomination for the Golden Nail Award.