John William Bentley

John W. Bentley (1880-1951) was an American painter born in Paterson, New Jersey, who became a respected figure in the Woodstock Art Colony. He studied at the Art Students League in New York City under notable instructors George Bridgman, Frank DuMond, and Robert Henri, acquiring a strong foundation in figure drawing, composition, and modern painting techniques. Seeking further training in landscape, Bentley traveled to Woodstock to study with Birge Harrison and John Carlson, ultimately becoming a lifelong member of the colony and contributing to its vibrant artistic community.

Throughout his career, Bentley embarked on numerous painting tours across the United States, capturing the diversity of American landscapes. He also lived for a period in the South Sea Islands, which broadened his visual vocabulary and inspired his approach to color and light. Despite extensive travel, his home base remained Woodstock, where he spent much of his life, though he summered annually in Key West, Florida, absorbing the unique atmosphere of the region.

Bentley’s work earned him numerous awards, and he was actively involved in WPA projects during the New Deal era. As a result, many of his paintings were installed in public buildings, including U.S. Government offices and City Hall in Kingston, New York, making his art accessible to a broad audience. Known for his technical skill, sensitivity to natural and human subjects, and dedication to community, John W. Bentley remains recognized as a significant contributor to American landscape painting and the legacy of the Woodstock Art Colony.