Benjamin Vanderwerff

About Benjamin Vanderwerff

Hello! My name is Benjamin Vanderwerff. I’m an artist based in Skagit County, Washington, working as both a freelance designer and gallery painter. My work is rooted in the plein air tradition—created entirely on location, often in remote and rugged environments.

At the intersection of traditional technique and modern aesthetics, my practice blends large-scale painting with the culture of off-road and overlanding exploration. Using a mix of spray paint and acrylic, I push plein air painting into new territory—capturing light, atmosphere, and motion in ways that break from classic studio constraints.

Conflict drives my creative process. The effort it takes to reach a location—hauling gear into backcountry terrain and often camping for days—becomes part of the work itself. Every painting is shaped not just by the view, but by the full experience of getting there, staying there, and creating under pressure.