About Beth
Background
I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. Whether hiking in Acadia
National Park, searching for moose in Baxter State Park, collecting sea glass
on Deer Isle, donning my straw hat for a garden tour, or sailing along the
coast, I have always been enchanted by the beauty of Maine. My mom is an avid
gardener and artist, and my dad is a naturalist and photographer, so I learned
early on to admire the beauty around me. I was given my first camera at the
age of ten and soon learned that photographing my world wasn't enough. I
learned how to draw - and then paint - these images. Twenty-something years
later, the photographer's eye has become sharper and more focused, and the
artist's hand has become more adept at translating these images onto paper
in a clean, realistic style. I have been privileged to study with several outstanding
artists, including Ken Mike, Donna Wolfe, and Mary Laury. Other artists have
generously shared their tips and tricks with me and continue to inspire me.
Purpose
My purpose in painting is to represent God's creative work beautifully,
accurately, and respectfully. Artists have an unbelieveable opportunity to
share with others their unique observation of a given scene, and I try to make
the most of this. Everything about the painting, the subject, medium, colors,
and even the brushstrokes, works in concert to transport viewers into that
particular moment in time. Observing a painting is definitely not a passive
experience. The viewer should feel the warmth of the sun, smell the fresh ocean
breeze, hear the roar of the crashing surf, and taste the salty seaspray! My
hope is that people will not only feel a deep connection to the place in my
paintings, but also that they will be renewed and uplifted by the experience.
Exhibitions
My paintings have been exhibited locally through several galleries, numerous
juried outdoor art shows, and several exhibitions. I most recently enjoyed
a two month solo exhibition in the Presidential offices of the Maine State
Senate.
Collections
My work has been widely collected over the past 11 years, and is included
in many private art collections throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and
Australia.
