Interview with Betty James, Artist of the Month-July 2015
Betty is special. Not only as a gifted artist, but a selfless, willing mentor. She graciously shares her abundance of knowledge with all-simply for the asking- going above and beyond assisting the fledgling artist as well as the seasoned. Betty is "in the know" whether it is regarding the best source for frames or what your painting "needs" to be a success. She serves on the board of PSST as Second Vice-President-Programs and continues to do an outstanding job bringing top talent to our members. I feel very fortunate to call Betty a friend. Liz Czerewaty |
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Why are you an artist or how did you choose to become an artist?
BJ: I have always loved art and everything artistic. I have been drawing since the earliest memories of my childhood.
Where do you paint? Home, studio, corner of a room? How is it set up?
BJ: I paint mainly in my home studio, with an occasional plein air.
What is your subject matter and how do you choose it?
BJ: My subject matter varies with whatever appeals to me at the time. I am attracted to portrait and figurative work, but also enjoy landscape and still life as well. Actually, I love it all.
What is your art background? Academic, self-taught, workshops?
BJ: I took a few art classes in college; however, the classes and workshops I have taken from talented artist over the years have proved to be most beneficial. I always did drawings, but did not start painting until I was 28 yrs. old. My first classes were in oil with Elsie Andrews, Fernie Tate, and Jeraine Reat.
I have taken oil paintings workshops from Scott Burdick, Tom Browning, Bob Wygant, Ron Riddick, and Carolyn Anderson to name a few. I took workshops in Sculpture from Ann Arnstrong, China painting from Stella Schilling, and stained glass from Cousin's Glass Art. I also attended extensive classes in faux finish and a workshop on trompe l'oeil from Nicola Vigini.
For a few years I sculpted original dolls from Cernit and traveled doing doll shows. For over a decade I worked doing faux finishes, trompe l'oeil and murals using acrylic paints in the Woodlands and Kingwood area. I still do an occasional mural that does not require extensive scaffolding. Approximately 2 years ago I went to a demo by Linda Dellandre at Woodlands Art League. I had no idea what wonderful pastel painting was possible until seeing Linda's beautiful work. I was hooked. I attended two sessions of classes on pastel and some plein air workshops from Linda. She also introduced me to PSST for which I am very grateful.
I am currently taking classes with Cheng Lian, a fantastic nationally know artist who luckily lives not far from me in the Woodlands. Cheng works mainly in oil, but does equally gorgeous pastel paintings.
In addition, I am fortunate to live in a very active art community that offers several weekly model groups, classes and workshops.
What are your goals?
BJ: My goals are simple. I hope to continue learning and improve my painting skills.
What do you consider your best painting ever and why?
BJ: Hopefully still to come.
What art events do you have scheduled?
BJ: Sharon Haney and I have a show scheduled at the Cloister in September 2016.
What do you hope people gain from viewing your work?
BJ: I will be happy if people viewing my work feel just a small amount of the pleasure It gives me while creating the art. Art is a never ending journey for knowledge. It not only gives me purpose, but also makes me a happier person.