Patricia Maus Benit-Laing
- New Orleans, United States
- 17 projects
This is my first time seeking employment in the freelance industry. My focus is in visual arts.
About
This is my first time seeking employment in the freelance industry. My focus is in visual arts.
I’m an illustrator and fine artist with a strong foundation in observation, drawing, and visual storytelling. Working primarily in traditional media — pencil, ink, and watercolor — my imagery is rooted in emotion, atmosphere, character, and nature-driven narratives, and has been described as lyrical with room to breathe. My paintings have been featured in juried exhibitions, commissioned privately, and selected for Percent for Art programs for new construction. I also create portrait drawings, both human and animal, and welcome freelance illustration, editorial, and narrative-focused projects.
Experience
Freelance Artist & Illustrator — Present
• Original illustration commissions, children’s literature concepts, and nature-based visual observations and narratives
• Portrait drawings (people and pets)
• Private commissions for fine art and series-based works
• Work featured in juried exhibitions, gallery programs, and Percent for Art selections
Educator — Gifted & Talented (K–12)
• Designed high-engagement learning experiences rooted in creativity, storytelling, and visual thinking
• Developed curriculum, educational illustrations, and visual materials
• Online teaching experience using video, camera systems, and digital instruction tools
Exhibiting Fine Artist
• Gallery representation at Where Y’Art (New Orleans, LA), Fondren Art Gallery (Jackson, MS), and Lisa Victoria’s Gallery (New Orleans, LA)
• Work shown in group exhibitions including HFL Gallery, Ashe Cultural Arts Center, Mid-City Theatre, Fondren Art Gallery, and others
Selected Juried Exhibitions & Recognition
• X: The Variable of Progress, Where Y’Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA (2015)
• International Art Festival Competition — Honorable Mention, New York, NY (2014)
• National All-Media Exhibition, Chico Art Center, Chico, CA (2014)
• Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, New Orleans, LA (2013 and 2012)
• Dave Bown Projects — juried competition selection (2010)
• Featured as TheArtList.com’s Artist of the Month (April 2014)
• Artist profile published in NolaVie (2016)
Percent for Art Collections
• University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA (2016)
• Law Offices of John J. Finckbeiner, New Orleans, LA (2017)
Education
• M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction + Certificate in Gifted Education — Southeast Louisiana University
• B.A. in Education & Fine Arts (Studio) — University of New Orleans
• Continued study in illustration, visual storytelling, and fine art practices
Software & Tools
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Word & Excel
• Canva
• Video platforms for remote instruction (Zoom, etc.)
• Social media platforms with basic editing and content preparation skills
Full exhibition history available upon request.
If you are interested in my writing experience, please submit a request.
- Joined December 2025
Industry experience
- Education
- Media & Entertainment
- Professional Services
- Other
Projects · 17
Completed this little drawing (3.5 x 5") on a camping trip. This is pen and ink so no room for erasing. #illustrator #naturalist
- Illustrator
I completed this commission as a fund raiser for a local dog rescue group. The public paid a donation to have their pet drawn, not knowing who the artist is. It's called, "Ugly Pet Portraits" because you don't know if a 5 year old will draw it or a professional artist. Somebody got luck with me! #illustrator #portraits
- Illustrator
Examining culture has always been a passion of mine. Soon after the lockdown of our towns and communities, I started to experience what I call the “ick factor” upon seeing people on TV engaging in everyday activities and I started to think of all the social situations we took for granted. In this new series of paintings, I attempt to examine human resistance to wearing a mask that would thereby decrease the invisible transmission of the Covid-19 virus. In these 8”x 8” paintings, I illustrate persons masked and unmasked engaging in everyday activities while a visual virus is streaming from their mouths and noses. #illustrator #painter
- Concept Artist
Examining culture has always been a passion of mine. Soon after the lockdown of our towns and communities, I started to experience what I call the “ick factor” upon seeing people on TV engaging in everyday activities and I started to think of all the social situations we took for granted. In this new series of paintings, I attempt to examine human resistance to wearing a mask that would thereby decrease the invisible transmission of the Covid-19 virus. In these 8”x 8” paintings, I illustrate persons masked and unmasked engaging in everyday activities while a visual virus is streaming from their mouths and noses. #illustrator #painter #fineart
- Concept Artist
Examining culture has always been a passion of mine. Soon after the lockdown of our towns and communities, I started to experience what I call the “ick factor” upon seeing people on TV engaging in everyday activities and I started to think of all the social situations we took for granted. In this new series of paintings, I attempt to examine human resistance to wearing a mask that would thereby decrease the invisible transmission of the Covid-19 virus. In these 8”x 8” paintings, I illustrate persons masked and unmasked engaging in everyday activities while a visual virus is streaming from their mouths and noses. #illustrator #painter
- Concept Artist
Studying the intricacies of snail texture and movement to create a environment for a children's book nature character. #illustrator
- Illustrator
Studying the intricacies of mushroom light, texture and habitat to create a environment for a children's book nature character. #illustrator
- Illustrator
This story seed was created as part of portfolio for children's books. #illustrator
- Children’s Book Illustrator
- Concept Artist
- Illustrator
Studying the intricacies of snail biology to create a character for a children's book. #illustrator
- Illustrator
Sketch made to study movement and perspective of snail biology. #illustrator
- Book Illustrator
- Children’s Book Illustrator
One drawing from a series of 8 x 10" pencil drawings of famous New Orleans Cemeteries. Created from print reproduction. illustrator
- Illustrator
Work experience· 11 roles
Owner · Pet Wants Garden DistrictJun 2021 – Jan 2025 · 3 yrs 8 mos
Oversaw business operations, inventory, and customer engagement; created marketing materials and managed brand presentation; participated in markets and exhibitions to build community awareness.
Talented Arts Visual, Art Teacher · Athlos AcademyAug 2019 – Jun 2021 · 1 yr 11 mos
Developed and delivered Talented Art curriculum; wrote IEPs, maintained records, and guided students through process-oriented art projects; coordinated exhibitions.
Art Teacher · Travis Hill School (Orleans Justice Center)Jan 2018 – Dec 2019 · 2 yrs
Taught Talented Visual Arts and regular education art; built student portfolios for art jobs and college; entries into contests.
Teacher/Art Integration · George Rodrigue Foundation of the ArtsJun 2013 – Aug 2013 · 3 mos
Art Department Chair, Talented Arts Visual · New Orleans Military and Maritime AcademyJan 2012 – Jan 2018 · 6 yrs 1 mo
Project STETS: Administrative Duties · University of New Orleans, St.Tammany Educational Talent SearchOct 2007 – Jul 2011 · 3 yrs 10 mos
Owner/Teacher/Artist · Covington Studio School, L.L.C.Sep 2006 – May 2008 · 1 yr 9 mos
Academically Gifted Education · Woodlake Elementary SchoolAug 2001 – May 2002 · 10 mos
Education
Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction · Southeastern Louisiana University2000 – 2002
Focus on Education for the Gifted Population
Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts · University of New Orleans2030 – 2012
Bachelor of Arts, Education · University of New Orleans0002 – 1995
Certifications and awards
Academically Gifted2030 – 2025
Ancillary Certificate to Teach Talented Art2012 – 2025
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