About me
My Background
I am an Alaskan artist. As a toddler, according to my mom, I spent my time outside collecting "treasures" (pinecones, sticks, rocks, etc.) to make art out of. When I got older, I took art classes, so many, that I repeated watercolor, felting, acrylic, block printing, pastel, pen and ink, and drawing classes at a local studio. I have experimented with dozens of different mediums of art, but my favorite is pen and ink with watercolor. In the past few years, I have had booths at the Girdwood Forest Fair, a pottery internship with local potter Peter Brondz, and worked as a graphic designer for a local outdoor gear brand, Skhoop. Art is my biggest passion, and although I'm not going to college as an art major, I will always continue creating.
My Inspiration
Nature is my biggest inspiration. I was raised to appreciate the outdoors, and my parents taught me about the importance of fresh air at a young age. In Alaska, I am privileged to be surrounded by vast mountains and trails, which have greatly influenced my creations. Almost everything that I make is based on patterns, structures, and shapes that naturally occur outside. My absolute favorite things to draw or paint are mountains. I think that I'm drawn to them because of their sheer greatness and presence in AK. Every mountain has unique ridges, lines, and shadows that make it beautiful and really fun to draw. I also love playing and exercising in the mountains. They are a staple to both my physical and creative activity.
Important links
Betty Dyes Art Studio- http://thearthousealaska.com/
Peter Brondz- https://www.facebook.com/PeterBrondzPottery/
Skhoop- https://www.skhoop.us
These local businesses have been crucial to my success as an artist. Their sites are worth a visit :)