An Interview with Bettie Gray

Hello Linda, it’s good to see you on this lovely afternoon. We can sit in the porch & look out onto the garden if you wish otherwise we can sit on the sofa indoors. Outside would be lovely Bettie it is such a refreshing afternoon today compared to the scorchers we have had recently. Would you like a refreshing Martini & tonic with ice & lemon or just a soft drink. OOh yes please!

I've interviewed a few artists who are enjoying a very busy retirement, are you fully retired now? I am a long retired Engineers Tracer soon becoming a Home maker enjoying most of what it involves. My arty day might begin when all pressing things have been removed from my mind & the mood is right.
I'm in the middle of getting my own arty space do you have your own art sanctuary?
I’m fortunate to have a room in which to work although the light is mainly artificial. I generally paint indoors but love the outdoors when the temperature is suitable. What is your inspiration and how do you develop your paintings? Photos & things around me are usually the basis of my inspiration although I sometimes use a sketch done long since & conjure a piece of work. Art magazines, visits to galleries, work of past masters.  I know that to begin a painting it is best to do small sketches first but sadly upon choosing a subject I’m frequently too eager to begin & forget this preparation. My working method is usually to layer the colours whether in watercolour, acrylics or pastel. I use various media in the form of watercolour [various types] also pastels & basic acrylics.

I usually have to have 'The Man' remind me it's dinner time or on occasions he breaks me a cuppa, do have a reminder to eat.
It’s easy to forget to eat or drink but something to boost energy levels is very necessary to me. Yes Geoff does check up on me at intervals & if time is running away will bring much appreciated refreshment in the form of tea, coffee & morsels of something. Occasionally he will bring a salad especially when he feels the hunger pangs!

When did you realise being arty was what you loved to do?
At the age of 5 or 6yrs. I appreciated Christmas cards with reproductions of famous religious paintings. Fabrics & folds were particularly interesting as were the colours which I tried to re-create from my little paint-box.

​Have you ever painted over a piece of work that didn't 'cut the mustard'?
Each piece of work is different & therefore it’s impossible to say how long any particular one would take. However most pieces take quite a long time but I do still like to think there is a degree of spontaneity in the final product.
It’s sometimes a good thing to put a piece of work away & look at it later to be more certain about its completion.

Where would you recommend a visitor to Cumbria go for a day of outdoor painting?
The Langdales has exciting scenery or Derwentwater perhaps. The Theatre by the Lake is possibly a good eating venue.
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Where are we off too today to do a spot of outdoor painting?
A friend’s garden would be my first choice. The pub in Wreay has recently re-opened so will be a good place for a spot of lunch.

And finally Bettie, do you have any tips for beginners?
For those beginning to paint – look at the work of other Artists & learn from it. Enjoy what you do & try not to take it too seriously. Look around you for ideas & treasures to sketch & paint.

If you wish to learn more about Bettie please visit her Showcase page which can be found here