“I have always been drawn to rural landscapes. Growing up in Alabama with my family meant long, hot car trips, spent looking out the window as my parents pointed at the scenes which reminded them of their childhood homes in the farmland of southern Ohio.  I know now that my fondness for these landscapes is born from these memories.”

​

As a young artist, Bethanne’s first great influence was primitive art, specifically Australian Aboriginal art. The bold outlines, patterns and simplified shapes seemed to directly convey the power of the animals depicted.  The images were stories, legends, and their energy was there to see. Often, in what is called “x-ray style”, the Aboriginal artist will show the insides of the animals, as well.   “Their way of filling every inch of the format with mark-making was very appealing to   me. “

​

In the 1990's, Bethanne had a job that had her driving southern back roads for years. Along the way, she stopped to sketch old barns, churches, houses, cemeteries, and animals…whatever caught her eye.   “When you drive back roads, you see many strange and beautiful things, and these are my starting points as I work.”

When she’s not enjoying life with her family, Bethanne works from her studio in the carriage house behind their home, where she paints and illustrates full time.