Montana Artworking by Cindy Betka

The scene outside and my blank canvas have something in common, they are both white. The situation outside you approach with a plow and snow blower. The blank canvas takes a bit more brain power rather than brute force. The physical exertion outside does get you revved up. In turn I moved from a blank canvas to the beginnings of a composition. Stay tuned to more progression in the days ahead.

It is always nice to receive that acceptance letter. Usually there are more than one page so you know as soon as you open the envelope whether it is good news or bad. Why do we need that approval or measure that we are on par with the rest of the culture? Not sure, but it seems to be a boost to keep going. Sometimes in life you get good advice; one for me was that, 'when you are in a slump, keep going'. Sort of similar to, 'this too shall pass'. These letters also start out with 'congratulations'. Sort of an applause that we have done good. A sure sign of news we like to hear. My letter came from the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Great Falls, MT. They accepted 2 of my paintings into their 20th Annual Art Auction Fundraiser, March 9th. I am pleased. These are the 2 works: '5Loaves, 2 Fishes', 16" X 20", Oil, framed 'Warm Waters', 12" X 16", Oil, gallery wrap

Abstraction: the act of considering something in terms of general qualities; emphasizing line, color, and non-representational form. The elements of abstraction are 1 - line, 2 - shape-form-mass. 3 - pattern-texture, 4 - scale-proportion-space, 5 - value, 6 - color. These elements are always on my mind while painting. I have been breaking down water surfaces; simplifying in terms of these elements. Here is a painting detail. This painting's finish size is 20" X 20", perhaps that is not large enough. Some how the more abstract paintings tend to be more effective really large, like one needs to shout out a word.

My painting enthusiasm has subsided for a bit. I am taking a respite and diverting to some sewing and some baking. Now that the American Baking Show has ended, I look forward to the British version series beginning again. When I bake I cut corners in the presentation, but the flavors are there. No time for the fancy stuff. And I am not a pastry chef. Here is some nice frosting by nature.

Just keep warm Cold Ones

A fresh new year is upon us already. What beautiful sparkling days! This year brings a solo exhibition of my works at the Zoot Gallery, Bozeman, MT. They scheduled me to exhibit August, September and October. They have a beautiful space/gallery and I can't wait to exhibit there. The space is quite large so I am busy painting, painting, painting. I will fill you in with more details as the time gets closer and I know when the opening reception will be. Contentment  -  oil, 24" X 20"