"Gypsy Ships" ~ Watermedia/Collage
Palms
Bettie
Cheek is a self-taught artist who began painting in 1988 following
a lifelong interest in that direction. She participates in most local
outdoor shows, including the Boardwalk Art Show as well as other invitationals
locally. Her work might be described as "loosely representational".
Though she began painting in traditional watercolor manner, Bettie
now switches between that method and collage, using hand tinted rice
papers and tissue paper to build layers of color and form. "I
don't pursue exact representation but rather, strive to capture movement,
texture, mood, and light."
Typically, Bettie starts a painting by applying various colors and tones to the painting surface, letting the action of the paint lead her, though she usually has a general idea or "feel" of what she wants to achieve. "Sometimes when I start a painting session, I have no earthly idea of what is going to happen, and though at times this can be frustrating, it can also be very exciting and surprising. I try to give control over my subconscious. It is at this point that surprising and unexpected things begin to happen. Part of the dilemma of working with watercolor, is that it does it's own thing, and you must impose your will, but you can only do so to a point. This is probably what I like most about it - the surprises. I would describe my approach as intuitive response; I feel most creative endeavor originates in the subconscious. You have to learn your materials and processes, of course, but then let things happen. Don't try too hard is my motto."
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