Betsy Bear - Artist Statement

I have always loved watercolor, and started painting seriously in 2001 after retiring from teaching public school in the Fairbanks area. I have studied with many talented instructors locally and nationally, and continue to enjoy learning and refining my skills and style.

Painting florals, wildlife, and landscapes have been rewarding. Living so close to the wilderness in Alaska genders a great respect and appreciation for nature. Moose, fox, bald eagles, whales, and occasionally bears, visit my backyards in North Pole and Excursion Inlet and provide great photo and painting opportunities. Most of the year I live in North Pole, but summers are usually spent at our remote beachfront cabin at Excursion Inlet near Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska, among the beautiful mountains and fjords. Wildflowers abound in both areas and the wilderness is always just a few steps away from the door.

Although born in southern California, I spent most of my early childhood in Morocco before moving with my family to Europe, then finally to Alaska, where I married and taught public school near North Pole for the next 25 years. Over those years I've craved the warmth of my childhood days, and have spent as much time as possible visiting and traveling throughout the Southwest and Hawaii.

My goal is to become more creative and spontaneous as I continue to discover the magic of watercolor. I have recently developed an interest in painting historical subjects. "Barefoot Boys", "30s Dancers" , and Trail Memories are a few of my paintings inspired by old photos and historical settings.

Betsy Bear

Links to more information about my art:

upcoming schedule

list of past shows and exhibitions

Art Gallery- originals

slide show- painting trip to Western Alaska, Kuskokwim River camp