Hi, my name is Betty, but you can call me BJ.
BJ grew up in a farming community in northern California. Although as a child she experimented and her sketches and drawings showed talent, art did not become a major force until later. BJ attended University of Pacific where she studied business. Finding little satisfaction there, she started nurses training, and later became a registered nurse. BJ spent the next 25 years working as a nurse and raising her five children. In the early 1980′s with her children grown, she once again felt the desire to begin drawing.
After 25 years of nursing and the growing popularity of her art, she made a risky decision to devote herself completely to the creative spirit within. Knowing well the chance for failure and the “starving artist” syndrome, BJ left nursing with her only driving force being the love for what she was doing. It is this love for the art, clearly evident in each new brush stroke, which turns plain canvas and tubes of paint into impressionistic masterpieces.
Impressionistic Style
BJ’s impressionistic style is primarily self-taught. Her use of color in vivid designs create exciting artwork only the visual senses can truly appreciate. BJ’s creative spirit lives within each piece she brings to life. Her works leave one wishing to escape to the very essence of what has been created. The motivation behind her work, although complex in its journey, is simple in its arrival.
It is her love for the art, clearly evident in each new brush stroke, which turns plain canvas and tubes of paint into impressionistic masterpieces.
In 2002 BJ was asked to paint a life size cow statue for Kows for Kids. “Patchwork Blooms”, sponsored by KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, is on display at the Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, OR.