We were lucky to catch up with Claudia Escobar Benton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Claudia, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Observation is at the heart of my creativity. Living near the LSU Lakes, I am surrounded by nature that constantly inspires me. From towering trees to the ever-present wildlife, every walk feels like an immersive experience—an ongoing conversation with the world around me. Sometimes, I can find a blue heron perched on a cypress knee at sunset, the rare sight of spoonbills, or the seasonal arrival of white pelicans—these moments are not just encounters but sources of inspiration. Being immersed in this environment heightens my awareness of textures, colors, and movement, deepening my appreciation for the subjects I paint.
But creativity isn’t something one finds—it’s something one protects. Creativity exists everywhere and within everyone. What matters is having faith in the process and letting go of the fear of judgment. When I first explored alcohol ink, small, tentative steps led to confidence, to self-efficacy—the realization that I could do it. Experience has shown me that love can burn out without care, so I nurture my creativity by allowing inspiration to flow freely.
The imagination of my kids also sparks my creativity. Their unfiltered ideas and excitement—whether about alligators, turtles, or dinosaurs—have led me to explore subjects I may not have considered on my own. Some of these playful suggestions have turned into pieces I truly love, showing that creativity isn’t something one has to search for; it’s in the world around us. Life in the South is closely connected to wildlife, and through observation, curiosity, and openness to inspiration, I embrace it. Creativity thrives when one allows the mind to evolve naturally and stays connected to what keeps the spark alive.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Creativity has always shaped my life. Growing up, I was influenced by the artistic traditions and culture around me, and my education nurtured my abilities. I studied at Sagrado Corazón de Jesús private school in Guatemala City, where I learned English and was always encouraged by my teachers and principals. Their support, along with the school’s strong focus on the arts, motivated me to develop my skills. Later, I earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design in a private university and became a professor at my alma mater, teaching courses in graphic and product design techniques. Though I worked professionally in design, my path eventually led me to painting—something I never expected.
After getting married, I moved to Louisiana, where I looked for ways to connect with a new community. The transition to a new country was challenging, leaving behind my family and the familiarity of home. I searched for a way to adapt and find belonging. That moment came when I found an opportunity to participate in an art guild exhibition at my church. With only two weeks to prepare, I thought creating an abstract piece would be the easiest way to contribute. I researched different techniques, considering resin with acrylics and alcohol ink. Resin and acrylics didn’t work for me, but alcohol ink immediately caught my attention.
At first, I had no plan at all—just drops of ink spreading across Yupo paper having a couple of days left to present some pieces. It felt like staring at clouds, searching for shapes. My detail-oriented mind suddenly recognized the body of a bird hidden in the ink. Inspired, I sketched a head to complete the form, the night before my deadline. That was my first alcohol ink painting—an imaginary bird—little did I know, that moment would mark the beginning of my journey with alcohol ink.
The fluidity of alcohol ink made birds feel natural to create, a mix of abstract and feathers textures, I felt comfortable with them. After pausing my practice for a year after my second baby, I had time to participate with my art, I did it in 2023 at the Yellow Leaf Art Festival in San Francisville, Louisiana. While preparing for the festival, I didn’t know I was going to challenge myself beyond birds.
As I was about to paint some eastern bluebirds on the blank paper, I suddenly imagined a deer. The shape appeared so clearly in my mind that I could see the birds resting on its antlers, as if they were perched on branches. I had never painted fur before, and everything told me not to attempt it, being so close to my deadline I didn’t have enough time to experiment or explore. But I couldn’t shake the image. No other idea inspired me more than painting that deer, and I couldn’t ignore it.
Growing up, I was influenced by many artistic styles, but Studio Ghibli’s master films, particularly “Princess Mononoke,” left a lasting impression on me. Their animation captures movement in a way that feels alive—the way wind flows through feathers, the way hair moves, the surreal yet deeply connected presence of their creatures. In that film, the spirit of the forest takes the form of a deer-like creature, embodying both beauty and protection. That idea resonated with me as I painted “Social Butterfly.”
I placed a single female eastern bluebird on the antlers, feeling that a quiet but strong female presence belonged there. The composition balanced with two yellow butterflies, creating a moment of harmony. When the painting was complete, I thought its meaning was clear to me—but I later learned that it carried something even deeper for someone else.After the painting was released, at the art festival, someone connected to it in a way I never expected. They shared a deep personal story that aligned in an extraordinary way-one involving all the subjects of this piece, coincidentally mirroring exactly what I had painted with what they represented to me. The connection between was something neither of us could have planned, but it became one of the most profound moments of my career.
After that art show I stopped being the “bird lady” to become a wildlife artist, painting new subjects, most of them suggestions by my kids. Since then, my work has continued to develop, gaining recognition at exhibitions such as the LSU Veterinary Medicine International Exhibition on Animals in Art, where my painting “Chirping”—featuring three hatchling alligators—won the People’s Choice Award in 2024. Same year, another piece, “Blue Jay and Moon,” received an Honorable Mention at the River Road Show at the Louisiana State Archives Gallery. I actively participate in fine art exhibitions and festivals close to home in LA, including the Yellow Leaf Art Festival and The Corbel in St. Francisville, Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington, and Spring Festival in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
I focus on establishing myself as a fine art wildlife artist, showing my art and doing workshops to share how to paint with alcohol ink, pushing the boundaries of this technique. This medium is unlike any other—it is fluid, reactive, and constantly in motion. Painting with it is similar to spilling coffee on a countertop; just as a single wipe can erase the stain, alcohol reactivates and reshapes the ink. I work on Yupo paper, a synthetic surface designed for fluid media, using air—from heat guns and blowers—to control the ink’s movement. This technique allows me to capture the intricate textures of fur, feathers, and scales with lifelike detail. I also incorporate gold foil, 24k gold leaf, and metallic gold blending them into the ink to enhance depth, movement, and light interaction.
Looking ahead, I am open to collaborations with photographers, as well as fundraisers and charity auctions supporting wildlife conservation, education, and medical research. Art has the power to create meaningful impact beyond the canvas, and I want my work to contribute to causes that matter.For those who want to follow my journey, I share behind-the-scenes insights, time-lapse videos, and my artistic process on Instagram and Facebook and channel on Youtube. My work is available through original paintings and embellished fine art prints, allowing collectors to own pieces that carry the unique textures and depth of alcohol ink.
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube channel as: @cebentonstudios / Claudia Escobar
Website: www.claudiaebentonstudios.com
Like Alcohol Ink, nature flows unpredictable, raw and full of beauty- where art meet to honor wildlife as a true royalty of our world, calling us back to the roots we share.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Precision & Attention to Detail
My father, a surgeon-dentist, taught me the value of observation and precision early on. Assisting him in his clinic, I remember the distinct smell of resin-based materials and how every tiny detail mattered to him—whether he was working on a patient, creating a dental prosthetic, or even fixing my toys with acrylic and resin, carefully molding the missing parts. From him, I learned the importance of analyzing how things work to solve problems, whether it was repairing something around the house or finding creative hacks. I believe this mindset deeply influenced my understanding of artistic mediums and materials. I still love solving things at home, and I think that’s why I’m so drawn to continuously teaching myself new techniques with alcohol ink. Alongside my father’s influence, my mother taught me empathy—especially for those who can’t speak for themselves. She helped me understand that nature has its own ways of communicating, even if we aren’t always listening. Through my art, I want people to see what I see—the beauty, the presence, and the quiet strength of these animals. I hope that when someone looks at my paintings, they feel a connection strong enough to want to bring that piece of nature into their homes, to share it, and most importantly, to care for it. For me, painting wildlife isn’t just about capturing their form; it’s about honoring them and reminding us of how much we need them—and how much they need us.
My advise: Is that precision isn’t about making something perfect—it’s about making it intentional and empathetic. Whether in art, design, or any creative field, every project should have a purpose. Ask yourself: What are the three most essential elements this piece cannot exist without? What makes it unique? In art, details aren’t just in textures or shapes; they’re in the story, composition, or the emotion behind the piece. Attention to detail is about making your work meaningful, not just intricate.
2. Human-Centered Design & Personalization
During my journey as a designer, I took courses in human-centered design, and I learned how design should adapt to the user’s needs, emotions, and experiences. This principle deeply influenced my approach to art, especially when working on commissions. I don’t just paint an animal; I want to understand why it matters to the collector—its symbolism, the emotions tied to it—so I can create something deeply personal. For example, in my painting “Motherhood” of a mother alligator with her hatchlings, I wanted to convey the fierce, protective love of motherhood, showing how she shields her young just as human mothers do. Alcohol ink, with its fluidity, allows me to blend emotion and movement into the composition, making each painting more than just a subject—it becomes a story.
My advice: Always ask questions about how the piece will be experienced. If you’re working on a commissioned painting, as an artist or collector, ask where it will be placed, how it will interact with its surroundings, and the emotions the piece will create. These details provide hints that allow you to personalize the work while staying true to your artistic style.
This concept applies beyond art—whether, in a project, product, or service, personalization adds value and emotional connection. Understanding where and how something will be used helps shape colors, backgrounds, compositions, or even words that will make it meaningful and symbolic for the person receiving it. If personalization is one’s goal, it should be intentional and create a lasting impact.
3. Creative Confidence & Problem-Solving
Working with alcohol ink means constant problem-solving. Unlike traditional media, there are no strict rules, and no universal guidebook—everything I’ve learned has come from trial and error, common sense, and adaptation. My father, who could fix almost anything, taught me to approach challenges with curiosity rather than frustration. That mindset has helped me embrace unconventional tools and techniques, learning how to guide ink while letting it move naturally. Every piece is a collaboration between control and spontaneity, and over time, I’ve gained confidence in navigating this unpredictable medium.
My advice: Experiment without fear. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re part of learning (my son used a marker on several of my paintings while I turned around hahaha). There’s no perfect roadmap for mastering a technique, and sometimes, the best discoveries happen by accident. Don’t be afraid to try unconventional tools, test new materials, or adapt to what works best for you. The key is to keep going, keep learning, and trust your ability to grow.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Someone who values fine craftsmanship, originality, and the emotional connection that art creates. Many of my collectors feel a deep appreciation for wildlife, whether through personal experiences, conservation efforts, or admiration for nature’s beauty.
I focus on detailed fine art, paying close attention to the gaze in an animal’s eyes, the textures of fur, feathers, and scales, and the way light interacts with the piece. My technique blends the fluidity of alcohol ink with precise control, creating a balance between spontaneity and intention.
Because I believe in preserving uniqueness, I offer limited edition prints, most of which I embellish by hand adding gold details close to the original paintings. I don’t mass-produce my work because I want each collector to own something truly special and rare—a piece that holds meaning beyond just an image. My philosophy is that art should feel personal, not just reproduced, and I’d rather continue creating new pieces than overproduce the same ones.
An ideal collector is someone who:
• Seeks meaningful, high-quality artwork that resonates with them.
• Values craftsmanship and fine detail, especially in a rare medium like alcohol ink.
• Appreciates the way 24k gold enhances movement details and depth in a painting.
• Feels a personal connection to wildlife and nature-inspired art.
While I primarily focus on wildlife, I trust my ability to explore new compositions and push the boundaries of what alcohol ink can do. My art is meant for those who don’t just see an animal on a canvas but feel something when they look at it—whether it’s nostalgia, strength, or admiration for nature’s beauty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.claudiaebentonstudios.com
- Instagram: @cebentonstudios
- Facebook: @cebentonstudios
- Youtube: @cebentonstudios
- Other: TikTok: @cebentonstudios
Image Credits
1. “Motherhood” 24X30″ (Female American alligator with two hatchlings by Claudia E. Benton)
2. “Dawn” 24X30″ (Brown Pelican by Claudia E. Benton)
3. “Gentle Keeper” 24X30″ (Blue Gray Heron with four eggs on a nest by Claudia E. Benton)
4. “Social Butterfly 32X45” (White-tailed deer with Eastern Bluebirds, one female, three males, and two yellow butterflies by Claudia E. Benton)
5. “Chirping” 24X30″ (three hatchling alligators by Claudia E. Benton)
6. “Pretty in Pink” 32X45″ (Spoonbill Roseate with a blue dragonfly by Claudia E. Benton)
7. “Motherhood II” 30X36″ (Female American alligator with three hatchlings by Claudia E. Benton)
8. “Blue Moon” 32X45″ (Blue Gray Heron with a 24K moon on the back by Claudia E. Benton)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
