Splashing around Lady Lee's Bath House on a Friday Night

April's First Friday at Lady Lee's Bath House 

was fun for all who came to enjoy the art, 

and to talk, eat, chat, 

and take a little trip back in time!

The old bath tub upstairs was empty, 

however there was great 50s - 60s music playing,

a big assortment of goodies in the old-fashioned kitchen,

 an old ironing board and pantaloons in the bathroom 

in case you needed to freshen up a bit more than usual, 

 lots of my new art prints and cards to check out,

a friendly Kathy Lee at the counter,

 big groups of happy shoppers,

 and, did I mention my artwork, 

which will be on display through April?

. . . or view it at www.betsybearcreations.com

Swans at Lady Lee's Bath House Emporium

 Meiers Lake Swans 2

My art is up at Lady Lee's Bath House Emporium, mixed in with Fairbanks history and vintage treasures.  I'm looking forward to this being an exciting show, considering the great atmosphere of this unique venue.

One of my paintings on display during April is Meiers Lake Swans 2.  I painted this a few years back after stopping at Meiers Lake for a break on a drive between Valdez and Fairbanks.  A family of swans can often be spotted gliding around this beautiful lake during summer and fall, close enough to the shore for decent photos.  The reflections and colors were truly inspiring.

Southeast Alaska Flowers

These are ready to go!  Each is 9x12 and framed nicely in white 16x20 frames. 

Lupine, Arctic Daisies, and Mint    

I painted four similar florals this summer on Yupo paper, which is slick and non-absorbant.  This keeps the pigments very strong and colors vibrant, plus it causes some unpredictable flowing and pooling of the paint which I like.

Columbine, Bluebells of Scotland, and Lousewort

These are wildflowers that I found growing around our cabin in Southeast Alaska.  I wonder why the Bluebell of Scotland is so named, since they are definitely more purple than blue.

Wild Rose and Ferns

The rose above was in my neighbor's yard, and is similar to the prickly rose found in Interior Alaska, only bigger and darker red.  

Black Currant, Fireweed, and Salmonberry

The black currant plant has red-orange leaves all season. which are a beautiful contrast to the deep purple berries.

Drinking and Painting

Daisies, Lupine, and Mint

Daisies, lupine, and mint make a great subject to paint. . . . and drink. 


Mint grows tall and thick around my summer cabin at Excursion Inlet, providing me with a constant supply of fresh, minty tea leaves to seep as well as inspiration for painting.


I painted this on Yupo paper, which has an impervious surface and keeps pigments vibrant and strong, just like the flavor of fresh mint tea brewing.  I can almost smell it now.


You can see this and my other  paintings during April at Lady Lee's Bath House Emporium in Fairbanks . . . more info

Lady Lee's Bath House Emporium

This great antique store on 1st & Cowles is literally stuffed with wonderful treasures from the past. I'll be there for April First Friday with my art, which will remain up thru April.  I invite Fairbanks friends to stop by April 1st, 5 - 8 pm and enjoy the art, antiques, and refreshments. Watch for more info on this event from me. . .and check out Lady Lee's page on Facebook for photos and info about all their sales & events.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lady-Lees-Bath-House-Emporium/118568971513564

portrait commission - ink caricature

This one was so much fun!