May Artist of the Month

 

“Pastel is a challenging medium in which to work. It’s like painting with pure pigment. There are no brushes or palettes or thinners; the colors are applied and mixed directly on the paper surface, which allows for an unequaled spontaneity and brilliance. I work on a variety of paper textures and colors, which also affect the finished painting. It is a long-lasting medium that with proper framing and reasonable care, will retain its luminous qualities for generations.” 

 

Born near St. Louis, Missouri, Becky spent her childhood traveling extensively with her military family. From her earliest years, art has been her primary creative outlet, and after moving to Colorado in 1972, she began to pursue painting as a full-time career. 

 

Her distinctive style in the dry medium of soft pastel is self-taught. After an early focus on painting wildlife, in recent years, landscape has become her primary subject. Photos taken while traveling to and from art shows often provide reference for new work, and in 2005 an opportunity to paint ‘en plein air’ added another exciting element to her landscape painting. She is especially intrigued by light, and often chooses to light a scene with early morning or late afternoon sun. 

 

Becky’s work has been received numerous awards and is included in private collections in the United States and overseas. 

 

She has been awarded Signature Membership in the Pastel Society of America, the Pastel Society of the West Coast, and the Pikes Peak Pastel Society. She has also earned the International Association of Pastel Societies Master Circle designation. 

 

“The sense of excitement and awe that I derive from time spent observing and photographing nature is what I try to impart in every painting. My goal is to paint a portrait of an individual animal or place and to share with the viewer a unique moment in our natural world.”