DPW Spotlight Interview: Carol Betker

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Carol's painting "A Little Light" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Carol's DPW Gallery Page: 

Former art teacher in public schools, I now just enjoy painting alla prima everything in my path.....I have studied artists like Jessica Zemsky, Richard Schmit and Dreama Tolle Perry and love to play with light, edges and emotion.  Thank you for taking a look at my work and may it bring a smile to you!

A Little Light
(click to view)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing interview

What did you want to be growing up? 

I remember this question back in high school as looking forward and saying "an art teacher"....maybe it was a lack of knowledge on my part of what careers were available for women, but after 5 years of stops and starts, I went back to college and finished my teaching degree, with an Art major. 
 
When did your artistic journey begin? 

We moved around a lot as a child following my father's work so maybe it was partly filling in the alone time (not lonely but just alone) that I always had my pad and pencil drawing over and over until I felt some sense of controlling those contours of whatever was in front of me, usually photos of horses. 
 

To The Banquet
(click to view)

Did you have any long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse? 

I don't think I had discipline for a long time to do daily practice of painting, I was teaching and one thing I remember not wanting to have my students influenced by my style (no surprise I had no style back then), I threw every kind of art medium my budget would allow for these kids to experience: drawing, painting, pottery, printmaking, etc....I was a one man band in small school districts! But when I retired about 10 years ago I started to take the time to explore what made me happy artistically. PLUS I have a husband whose wildlife photographs offer me endless inspiration and reference !!

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal? 

I enjoyed acrylic for several years because of the vibrant color, but now that oil has low odor, I prefer the blending ability of the creamy oils. Watercolor works for times when I'm sitting in the car and can't do messy kinds of painting. I lean toward impressionism trying to keep the painting loose, I appreciate abstracts but don't do them , and other expressions of art can be fun but I don't care for "dark" art that provokes... If I want to be depressed I'll turn on the news, right?

Berry Big
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice? 

I started like a lot of artists very tight, controlled, trying to make that thing look like what my mind was saying it should look like.....but I was using techniques with my students from "Drawing On The Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards and "Drawing With Children" by Mona Brookes and I was relearning right along with the kids. I was aware of some rules of composition and now I was also breaking those rules, with boldness...at least it seemed bold for me!

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why? 

I studied the books by Richard Schmidt and loved how his edges just brought his beautiful oil landscapes to life! I took a workshop by Jessica Zemsky and learned that there are no excuses for not painting everyday, ...I fell in love with her portraits of children because I had young daughters at that time....and now my favorite artist is one of DPW's members, Dreama Tolle Perry. She has put the fun into my work and the encouragement to try any subject! I think I've taken every workshop she offers and it's the best investment I've made ! And I think Carol Marine is a master at lost and found edges!

Pretty Boy
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be? 

For me it's 'be authentic' ...learn what you can and then be your own voice. I'm still learning this by the way.
 
Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle? 

I keep my easel and paints set up, and a good supply of gessoed small boards. Small 8 x 8 or so can be finished fairly quickly with the alla prima style I prefer.
 

Peek a Boo
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward? 

Just start again, sometimes a little break to get inspired but it comes down to start again, get the brush moving, paints blending, and stay with it.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art? 

I don't know if I have the energy anymore to do sidewalk sales and those types of shows. I seem to sell in galleries and venues that open up their wall space for art like we have a lot of wineries in eastern WA State who love the arts. I enjoy selling, and hope my work brings joy to the patron....that's satisfaction enough.

Promise
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally? 

If my work can make the viewer take a slightly longer look and feel some emotion in that moment then I'm getting close to success. 

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life? 

I have won some recognition awards in juried shows but I had an international validation moment a couple years ago when a viewer in Japan bought one of my large pieces from a local gallery .I am also grateful for DPW for opening up a platform for artists around the world! 

Awaiting
(click to view)

Thanks, Carol!

© 2022 Maddie Marine