Ben Long (American painter)

Ben Long (1945 – ) is an American painter, known primarily for his fresco work. Born in Hickory, North Carolina, he studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later in Florence, Italy, where he apprenticed with Maestro Pietro Annigoni, a renowned Italian artist who revived classical painting techniques.

Long is best known for bringing the ancient fresco technique to contemporary audiences. Fresco, a method of painting in which pigments are applied to wet plaster, requires speed and precision. His large-scale frescoes are often found in churches and public buildings, particularly in the Southeastern United States.

Significant works include:

• The Frescoes of St. Mary's Chapel (Glade Valley, North Carolina): A cycle of frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ. These are considered some of Long’s most important works.

• The Frescoes of the Bank of America Corporate Center (Charlotte, North Carolina): These secular frescoes, though no longer publicly visible, represented a departure from traditional religious subject matter.

• Various private commissions: Long has also completed numerous frescoes and other paintings for private collectors.

Long's work is characterized by its technical skill, classical influences, and often, its spiritual themes. He has played a significant role in the revival of fresco painting in the United States and continues to create new works. He resides and works in North Carolina. His art is often described as a blend of Renaissance techniques with a modern sensibility.