Mike Bennett was born at Chanute Air Force Base, in Rantoul, IL where his father taught meteorology. Subsequently, his family moved to Chateauroux, France where his father was transferred and continued to work in the field of meteorology at the Chateauroux Air Station for the U.S. Air Force.
Memories of visiting Gothic cathedrals and country churches in France as a toddler left an impression on him. He has painted many churches, farmhouses, barns, and mountain cabins in his nostalgic paintings and has plans for many more.
In 1960 his family moved to Southern California where he has lived most of his life.
He had the honor of meeting T.V. artist Jon Gnagy in 1966 and then again in 1971. He attributes his talent from watching Gnagy's television shows and his learn to draw sets.
He completed his schooling at California State University, San Bernardino, CA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a teaching credential in Art at the University of Redlands, in Redlands, CA.
For ten years he worked as a graphic artist for a construction supply company.
During this time, Mike also freelanced as an illustrator and commission artist. He sold his paintings in art galleries in California and to Columbia Magazine. He worked on special art commissions for famed composer/conductor and priest, Alfonso D’ Artega.
Over the years, he has had many publications as greeting cards, international stamps, paperback and hardback book covers, magazine covers, newspaper illustrations, wood and cardboard jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch designs, pixel hobby crafts, paint by number sets, audio cassette covers, murals, tin signs, and posters.
For half of his professional art career, he has taught art for the Yucaipa/Calimesa School District and has earned many educational awards and was awarded a California League of Middle Schools – Educator of the Year Award. In 2022, he was a "Teacher of the Year" for Mesa View Middle School.
He married a beautiful young lady named Rene’ and they had three beautiful daughters. All three of them are married and have wonderful husbands. Both Mike and Rene’ also have beautiful grandchildren that have completed their life.
Mike believes that he was given this wonderful talent from God to bring a little beauty to this troubled world.
