Hill S. Benitez: The brushstrokes of a world-class artist

“My contribution to the world lies in my painting ability. I will paint as much as possible so that many people may benefit,” declares Hill S. Benitez, a world-class artist from Cadiz.

His dedication to his craft is firm, and his commitment to creating art is evident in every stroke of his brush.

Hill, a landscape artist, draws inspiration from the legacies of Van Gogh, Monet, Michelangelo, and Amorsolo. His deep connection with the natural world is evident in his artwork, which beautifully captures the essence of landscapes. His inaugural masterpiece, “Fishing by the Lake,” still adorns the walls of his kitchen, a demonstration of the enduring allure of his craft.

Hill’s artistic endeavors have transcended borders, with his works showcased in well-respected exhibitions and competitions around the globe. From the Society of Philippine-American Artists in New York City to renowned galleries in India, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Ireland, Canada, Indonesia, the UK, Argentina, Mexico, Brunei, Hungary, and Spain, his creations have garnered international acclaim.

He views art as a conduit for the imagination, an avenue through which one can explore the boundless depths of creativity. For him, the journey of an artist is one of perpetual evolution, fueled by a commitment to learning and drawing inspiration from the beauty that surrounds us.

As an ambassador of artistry, Hill has established the HB Framing and Art Gallery in Texas, USA, serving as a sanctuary for creativity and expression. Through the HB Art Foundation he founded, he endeavors to nurture the talents of local Cadiznon artists, ensuring that the legacy of artistic excellence endures for generations to come.

With his art collections proudly displayed at the Foundation in Rancho Verde, Cadiz City, Hill continues to inspire and elevate, his brushstrokes weaving a narrative of beauty, passion, and boundless possibility.

Notable collectors, including executives from Cebu Pacific and the president of the Victorias Milling Company, have been captivated by Hill’s works. However, perhaps the most noteworthy artwork was the “Dinagsa” mural painting, commissioned by Cadiz City Mayor Salvador G. Escalante Jr.

Some of Hill’s artworks have sold for impressive amounts, with one painting fetching a staggering one million pesos in the Philippines. His art is not just a visual feast but a valuable asset, appreciated by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

“To motivate and enhance my skills,” Hill reflects, “I pursued self-study, traversed European countries, and embarked on crash courses in painting.” His quest for mastery led him to the hallowed halls of museums worldwide, each brushstroke imbued with the wisdom gleaned from the masters of the past.

Hill S. Benitez of Barangay Caduhaan stands as a guiding light of artistic prowess, deeply rooted in his Cadiznon heritage. The son of Salome S. Benitez and Felino J. Benitez, Hill’s journey from the corridors of engineering to the expanse of the canvas is a reformative power of passion and determination.

A graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, Hill embarked on a professional pilgrimage that led him to the sands of Saudi Arabia in 1986. For eight years, he lent his talents as a display artist in Dammam and as a draftsman/company artist in Jeddah, honing his skills amidst the diverse culture of Arabia.

In 1994, the call of opportunity led Hill to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he immersed himself in the corporate landscape for another eight years. Yet, amidst the rigors of professional life, a hidden passion lay dormant within him, awaiting its moment of revelation.

In 1986, the discovery of a Saudi Airlines book marked the inception of Hill’s artistic journey. Within its pages, he stumbled upon the works of Filipino artists, and he found himself captivated by the allure of visual storytelling, a revelation that would forever alter the course of his life.

For him, an artist is a person who produces paintings or drawings from a deep imagination. To become one, continual learning and drawing inspiration from nature and the beauty surrounding you are essential.

He now resides with his wife Honey Andres Benitez in the USA but frequently returns to the country to fulfill his promise of helping the needy and refining artists’ skills through a foundation he established.

Hill Benitez Art Foundation (HBAF)

Hill Benitez is not only a world-class artist but also a philanthropist.

He established the Hill Benitez Art Foundation to offer free art materials, painting lessons, and sports equipment to students (from Elementary to College and out-of-school youth) in Cadiz City; Bacolod City; Bago City; Moises Padilla; La Carlota City; Talisay City; Victorias City; Escalante City; E. B. Magalona; Iloilo City; Anilao, Miag-oa, and Batad of Iloilo province; and Barbaza town in Antique province.

The Foundation also maintains branches in Texas, USA, and Derby, United Kingdom. It spearheads various initiatives, including a housing project for homeless grandparents, extending health assistance, and granting scholarships to graduating students at the Philippine Normal University Visayas in Cadiz City.

Hill S. Benitez’s contributions to the world of art and his philanthropic endeavors are evidence of his belief in the transformative power of art. His journey from the sands of Saudi Arabia to the art galleries of the world, and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists, ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.* (Erwin R. Mabugat)