Bethany is an artist and illustrator from central Iowa where she grew up catching tadpoles and exploring the woods in her home river valley. Her dad and three brothers taught her how to play baseball and ride a bike while her mom shared her cooking skills and her artist's gene. When it was discovered that math homework took her hours to complete due to the faces, dresses, and characters drawn on the backs of her papers, her parents enrolled her in private art lessons. Numerous art classes later, Bethany went to college for the pastime she loved and received a BFA in Integrated Studio Arts at Iowa State University. Today she lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband and still enjoys playing baseball, biking and cooking.
Artist Statement
Children often see the big picture better than adults do. I vividly remember the artwork in books I read as a child, and my favorite illustrations created a world for me to explore. My goal in children’s book illustration is to stimulate young people’s imaginations, leading them to discover real truths through beautiful and engaging pictures combined with meaningful, concise text.
I paint my picture book illustrations primarily using water based oils on masonite. Captivated by sunlight, I love to create uplifting, joyful images full of brightness that draw the viewer in using depth of color and attention to detail. Painting is a tangible way for me to experience my world, and it is fulfilling to express what's on my heart through picture making. Through art I have discovered that there is beauty in contrast, that I’m made for an incredible purpose, and that the big picture gives meaning to the little picture. I enjoy stirring up imaginations and hearts by putting a frame around what speaks to me.