As a painter and illustrator I create my own universe that is populated with characters of my own design. My paintings usually start with a character from my sketch books and then evolve into several characters interacting in an environment and telling a story. The
characters often take on a life of their own especially when I start to paint them on canvas with acrylics. My creatures often represent human emotions, desires, habits.

These creatures are now among the elements that I often use not only in my paintings,
but also in my illustration and design. After graduating from San Jose State with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and illustration I started working for several design studios
and then went out on my own to do freelance illustration. Some of the companies I have worked with are Yahoo!, Hitachi, Hasbro, Addison Wesley and Apple. My illustrations and
designs have also appeared on products for children such as posters, books and clothing.

Along with illustration I am now focusing on painting and have had solo and group shows in
the bay area including San Francisco, L.A. and San Diego. I am also doing commissioned
paintings for peoples homes and restaurants.

To see more of my work please visit: http://cbillustration.squarespace.com
christineben@sbcglobal.net studio: 408.292.5818