Paul has a bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute of Fine Art, where he studied drawing, watercolor and ceramics. This led to a Master of Arts in Greek history from the University of LaVerne, Athens, Greece, where he also taught, while studying Neolithic, classical and Byzantine art. For many years, he taught art history at Central Oregon Community College, while maintaining his own studio practice. Paul lives in Sisters with his wife, Carolyn.

The signature style of Paul Alan Bennett began with a pair of woolen gloves, purchased at the Great Bazaar in Istanbul. Fascinated with folk patterns and colors, he created the knit look in opaque watercolor, and over the years, he has “woven” hundreds of images incorporating travel and history. The theme of the night sky has been a part of his art since he was a child, painting swirling galaxies on the basement walls of his family’s home.