Unique, interesting, cheerful and unusual are all words that Lu Bentley’s clients have used to describe her work. As for Bentley, she calls her light- and dark- filled creations “magical shadow paintings.” Shadow is indeed a consistent theme in the artist’s works—whether she’s depicting shadows of palm fronds on a building, a rocking chair on a Southern front porch or florals in the sunshine.
“I love to show shadows and
reflections, which are an exten- sion of the physical,” Bentley says. “My work is an attempt to show that this extension has far-reaching effects. We are usually unaware of the influences we have on the people and the world around us. As a visual experience, I hope to remind people of the importance of our ever-expanding personal energy.” Bentley’s passion for shape, line and shading began in child- hood and has grown into a calling. Today, she is an award-winning artist, who can be found each May at the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit in Marion Square.
