John W. Bentley was born in Patterson, New Jersey and studied at the Art Students League with George Bridgeman, Frank DuMond and Robert Henri. He arrived in Woodstock to study with Birge Harrison and John Carlson and became a respected and lifelong member of the Woodstock Art Colony.

Bentley made many painting tours traveling throughout the country and even lived in the South Sea Islands. He summered annually in Key West, Florida but his home base remained in Woodstock until his death in 1951.

He received numerous awards for his paintings and his works are in many public buildings due to his participation in the WPA projects including the U.S. Government Buildings and City Hall, Kingston, New York.