California native, Charles Benton, started his career as a fashion designer, although his true passion was always art and illustration. He studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and fashion design Central Saint Martins in London. It was during his time in London that he developed a deep admiration for dark, mysterious art. Charles has experimented with various mediums such as acrylics, oil paint, ink, watercolors and clay. After relocating to the Hudson Valley on a leap of faith, he set up his studio and began creating -- a drawing a day. What emerged was his whimsical, doe-eyed "Stella" doll drawing-- which he continues to dress in the latest couture. His art proves that beauty can blossom from vulnerability and trust in the unknown.