Beth Basista
Ohio & Florida
My favorite “plein air” painting destinations are throughout Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, Ohio, Bunch Beach, Ft. Myers, FL and Sanibel Island, also in Florida
When I paint I morph into an other world where my God-given talents are challenged to try and capture His amazing Glory on canvas.
BETH BASISTA ARTIST STATEMENT:
I’ve loved painting since I was a child, and although my advertising business Techni-Graphics, Inc. required me to put my paint brushes down for a while, I knew that one day I would pick them back up. That day has come although I continue to use many of my design, illustration, and photography skills as I envision and compose paintings. I like choosing my subjects for most of my paintings although still enjoy the challenge of pleasing clients when I do commissions. I enjoy putting my heart into each of my works, mixing, matching and blending the brush strokes as I apply the paint to my canvas. Once a painting feels right, I love adding my signature, knowing it’s complete. I hope each work brings joy and enhances the wall it’s displayed on.
I feel as if I paint in a zone of creativity--another world in which I challenge myself to capture part of God's amazing workmanship. People who stop to watch me paint often say: “I can’t even draw stick people.” I laugh as I tell them “All you need to do is ‘Look Good’”. Then I explain how carefully I study my subject, decide on the composition, and then sketch it as though I’m tracing it. Then I mix and match the colors I see and begin to paint until “voila it’s finished”. I enjoy the thrill of painting en plein air. I love the freedom I have to choose and compose the scene I like. En plein air, I see amazing colors photos tend to average out and push way back! When I can’t paint a “paint-worthy” scene on the spot, I rely on my photos. I’ve enjoyed photography every since high school when I received a Keystone Everflash for a Christmas present. In my business, I used my Nikon camera and equipment to handle many photoshoots for clients. When traveling, hiking, biking, or kayaking I love having my iphone handy to frame up photos that I think I might paint one day.
My paintings have been juried into many local shows, including the YWCA Women’s Art Show, and the Butler’s yearly Area Artists exhibit, and my works have received prizes. To see my work in person, visit my exhibit at the Salem Chamber of Commerce from May 24 – June 20, 2024 and at the Weller Gallery, Sept. 2024, where most of my Mill Creek Park themed paintings will be on display.
If you “Like” my Facebook page, you’ll see each new painting as I post them and you can follow me on Instagram..
My Photography skills continues to be a plus!
Friends and family will tell you I’m always taking photos. I test their patience making them stop walking, driving, or cycling so I can capture a must-have photo or two or three. Later, I save the best ones to my “Ideas to paint” folder.
Today when I don’t have my Nikon D3200 camera on me, I rely on my I-phone to capture subjects for potential paintings wherever I go. When I see something I’d like to paint, I make sure to take a several shots from a variety of heights, angles and distances that I can refer to them later. Shooting birds and animals is always a challenge because I like to get up close which can scare them away. Even the cake I photographed below took several shots to achieve the final result and even though it didn’t run away….. it still disappeared. lol!
I have dozens of photos of these baby robins to refer to when I decide to paint it..
I actually baked this chocolate cake, photographed it, and then create an ad for a client that read: “Yes, You can have your cake and eat it too”.
It might be a lot of fun to paint on day!
