My Summer Catch of Watercolors

In spite of being smack in the middle of prime salmon and halibut fishing grounds, I don't really care to go fishing much unless the sun is out and the water calm.  I'd rather leave foul weather fishing to the experts in my family while I stay dry at the cabin and paint all day.  Fortunately, that usually gives me quite a few long, relaxing days to paint and come up with a good catch of new paintings:

My new paintings from around Excursion Inlet:

(detail of painting below)

Dock Time

(detail of painting below)

EXI Cannery Dock

(detail of painting below)

Eagle at Excursion Inlet

Our Inlet Cabins

Paintings from around Fairbanks, Alaska:

Fairbanks House

(detail of painting below)

St. Joseph's Church, Fairbanks

(detail of painting below)

Cushman St. & Museum, Fairbanks

Cranes at Creamer's Field, Fairbanks

Wilderness Cabin

And, of course, I must paint flowers to be happy:

Daisies

Pansies

Poppies

Lilies

Many of these pantings will be included in my October show at the Fairbanks Community Museum.  I'll post more details about the show soon, so please check back.

Betsy Bear

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.

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

Art Expo and Beyond

Art Expo today was wonderful for rekindling old and adding new connections with others involved in the arts--always a great group of people to be around!  Seeing the products of creative efforts, whether visual, tactile, kinesthetic, whatever medium, is such great balm for the soul.  I have vowed to turn off the computer & news and get out more.  (And yes, I violate that vow already, as I blog again.)

Find me at Art Expo, Sat. March 12 Pioneer Park, Fairbanks

http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102946334431-101/ArtExpo8by11Flyer.pdf