Storms a Brewin'

This painting shows how the seashore along the southern coast of Sanibel Island looked the day before a hurricane hit. The winds were too strong to paint en plein air, so I painted from a photo on a frameless canvas in my studio using oils. I enjoyed using loose brush strokes and contrasting colors to capture the dramatic scene.

Thankfully this hurricane left minor damage as it skirted up along the western coast of Florida. #bethbasistapaintings.com, #stormy beach, stormy #sky painting, #impressionism, #americanimpressionistsociety, #pleinairpainting, #fineartist, #mvartists.org/bethbasista/

ENTER TO WIN A PAINTING OF YOUR PET!

To enter, simply make a post on “Beth Basista Paintings” Facebook page letting me the name of your pet by Saturday, June 12! My husband George will pick the winning name out of my beach hat!

The winner will receive an 8x10 watercolor painting I’ll create referring to your photo. Your painting, a $200-250 value, will be similar to this one I painted of "Emery" Higham.

Any pet qualifies, whether a dog, cat, fish, hamster, goat, duck, bird, etc.

Just go to Beth Basista Paintings” Facebook page & be sure to “like” my page so you’ll see the newest paintings posted.

Awe Sanibel.... Almost There!

My original plan for this 15 x 30 oil painting was to paint the first span of the Sanibel Bridge as it arches toward Ft. Myers from the first Sanibel Causeway Island. However, my plan quickly changed when I got out of the car and 25 mph winds just about ripped my canvas out my hands. Luckily I remembered a spot on the causeway island closest to Sanibel where mangroves would shield me from the wind. Sometimes there’s a blessing behind plans that don’t work out and this was sure one of them. Located in southern Florida, Sanibel Island is a favorite destination for me and so many others who enjoy its span of beaches, bike trails, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, kayaking, shore birds and its many restaurants. As people cross this bridge and see Sanibel in the distance getting closer and closer, they get what I mean when I say “Awe Sanibel… Almost There!”

Egret in the Shallows - Mixed Media Painting

I created this 16x20 mixed media painting using acrylics to lay in the foundation and oils to add the final touches to the Egret. I liked how oils made it easier to push & blend colors into each other to achieve the softness I desired. I referenced photos I shot of this egret hanging around fisherman in inlet to Bunge Beach, Ft. Myers, Florida. #Egretpainting #Floridabird

Cheetah in Waiting 11 x 14 Water Color by Beth Basista

Did you know the Cheetah is the fastest land animal? After a high-speed chase at up to 70 mph, it desperately needs to rest for about a half-an-hour to catch its breath, and sometimes is robbed of its kill by lions or hyaenas during the recovery. Although I think this is a beautiful animal and like knowing they have never been known to have attached a human.

Don’t Ruffle My Feathers

The Spoonbill is my favorite bird to search for at J. N. “Ding” Darling Nature Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, FL. I created this 8x10 painting using watercolors. #Spoonbill painting, #Ding Darling Nature Wildlife Refuge.

Squatting Pelican by Beth Basista

I used acrylics to create this 24 x 30” frameless painting of a pelican as it’s often seen perched on a dock post. They seem so confident as they look down their nose to see me and I really enjoy watching them dive into the water to catch fish. Please vote for your favorite. #pelican painting

Enter to Win this 9x12 Painting of "Mill Creek Park in the Snow" by Beth Basista

This matted & framed 9x12 pastel painting may be yours, or yours to gift. To enter, simply make a post about the painting or share a favorite memory about Mill Creek Park. Your name will be added into a box and I will have my husband George draw the winning name on our Anniversary, December 18! A second name will win a print of The Old Mill. Yes, you can have family & friends make a post to increase your odds! Thank you for sharing!

Cancer still Sucks - Painting by Beth Basista, Photo by Michael Cuccarese.Ph.D.

This 16 x 20 Mixed Media painting may look like an abstract, but it’s not.

I created this painting for Mike Cuccarese, Ph.D., referencing a photo he shot with a fluorescence microscope. The cells are OVCA-429 ovarian cancer cells that were treated with stains for the nucleus and mitochondria. Contrast/edging was added with image j. Since I’m not a biologist, he explained the center is the nucleus/DNA and surrounding area is the mitochondria. 

The original is painted on a frameless canvas and I incorporated modeling paste, iridescent medium, texture gel, and acrylics. My family has lost loved ones to cancer and I know just about everyone reading this has too. Its comforting to know that scientists are working so hard in search for a cure.

Plein Air painting at The Lily Pond in Mill Creek Park

After deciding this spot was paint-worthy, I enjoyed painting for several hours while taking in the fresh air on a beautiful fall day in Youngstown, Ohio. I really enjoyed painting until my toes started to get too cold. I got up and moved around but realized it was time to pack it in. Before leaving I like to find the other plein air artists to see how their paintings are coming along. I found Nancy Hawkins who leads the group just as she was packing up and found out the other artists also got too cold and I just missed them. We’ll use photos we shot to finish our paintings in our home studios. Special Thanks to Nancy for inspiring me to start painting outdoors where I experience a deeper sense of beauty of the landscape. I look forward to painting at Lake Guilford next!

Food for the Soul 16 x 20 Oil Painting

I chose oils for this painting allowing me the freedom to mix colors on the pallet and then blend them into adjoining colors on the canvas. I used soft loose brush strokes and contrasting colors to help direct the viewer to follow the light toward the pages of the bible. The sunflower, bible, and bread symbolize leaning toward the sun/Son each day for nourishment. The latte heart was added as an invitation to sit down and discover wisdom, peace and direction as you read through the pages.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Whether buying a framed print or specialty item for your home, or for a difference-maker in your life, all proceeds will benefit Missions. shop.bethbasistapaintings.com

"Art"

I decided to name this one “Art”, because this 8 x 10 pastel is portrait of my Dad, “Art” Ivan who passed away in 2015. He was a righteous man, a man of strong faith and great pride of his family and having served his country in the Navy. He often shared his desire for his work ethic, believing working hard strengthens character and integrity, no matter what our career choice. Looking back at my childhood, I realize I actually benefitted by having three sisters and no brothers. My sisters and I became Dad’s fishing buddies and enjoyed years of hiking, swimming, trips to Canada, and sightseeing throughout NE Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. I’m glad I started to paint more before he passed and tried to capture his response in this portrait; he would tilt his head, smile, and get a sparkle in his bright eyes. I think most artists would agree that feedback from family and friends - and those who may be reading this post - is so invaluable.

“Art” will be treasured forever.

Enjoying Plein Air Painting in Mill Creek Park

Last Friday morning, my artist friend Nancy Hawkins and I enjoyed Plein Air painting from the wood deck overlooking Cascade Falls in Mill Creek Park. I’ve spent all my life hiking through the park and only discovered this spot a few years ago when I hiked West Gorge Trail to the Silver Bridge, continued up the rocky cliff and followed a path around and up to Cascade Road. The beautiful wood steps along the left side of the falls allow awesome views. I chose to bring my oil paints looking forward to capturing the aqua color pool of water below the falls. I didn’t have enough time to complete this painting on site but will refer to photos I shot to finish it in my studio. Can’t wait!

Why the Butterfly continues to mean so much to me

I’ve always loved butterflies . My family has always known this and that’s why my birthday cards often included images of butterflies. My advertising business, Techni-graphicsinc.com includes this photo of a butterfly on its website and stationary. When I first started my business I’ll never forget being asked if I chose the butterfly because it represents “Born Again”. As an illustrator, I saw the butterfly as one of the most detailed and beautiful creatures God created, so it came to mind as a perfect fit. But, having just lost a job I loved at GF Office Furniture due to its downsizing, I was transitioning into a new beginning when I started my business. Soon after this, a man who installed my cable lines saw my logo and boldly suggested I ask God to partner with me and to bless my business. This was such good advice and I highly recommend it for start up businesses.

So, now that I’ve increased my time devoted to painting, I’m ready to spread my butterfly wings again and launch my career as an Artist. Hope you’ll join me by filling out my website’s “contact page”