Since I was a scientist first, my foray into the art world did not begin until I started living in Okinawa, Japan, 41 years ago. I could always draw but was not encouraged to go down that road. It was in Japan though that I studied art and with much encouragement begin showing and selling my work. My main focus was Indonesian style batik where the wax was used as a drawing media. I expanded on my teachings and went from dyeing my cloth from five times to fifty times to achieve high detail and more realistic imagery.
For the past 35 years I have made my living as an artist, using my plein-air oil paintings, watercolor sketches, and my photographs to make the detailed batiks that have become my signature. About a dozen years ago, I began adding encaustic to my work to enhance the texture. All my imagery is from my own travels and experiences from around the world but I find that some of the most interesting experiences are right here in my backyard. Since my education is in zoology, I love birds and other animals and am drawn to them for my art. The adventures that I have been able to have as a naturalist and artist have filled me with joy. I am also the author and illustrator of three children’s books which has opened a whole new world for me.
My work was highlighted at the World Batik Conference in Boston and has been included in five art museums’ permanent collections. It has also been included in books and magazines featuring wildlife artists and is part of both national and international private and corporate collections.
On March 18, 2016 as part of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary After Hours Program, Beth will be in the Nature Store for a Book Signing.
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