Meet Beth Palser

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Beth Palser. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Beth, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

My creative spirit is always within me, and it’s how I see things in everyday life around me. I am forever looking and observing at the architecture of a building, the shadows casting on the floor from a sunlit window, the peeling bark on a tree, the curling wave crashing onto the sand, or the rolling clouds over a farm field; in all these things, I see light, shadow, and color. This is my inspiration to paint, I try to capture on paper what I felt when I viewed my surroundings.

I like to keep my creativity flowing in the studio by painting a variety of subjects, from landscapes to seascapes, interior and exterior buildings, and the urban scenes of Philadelphia and the many beaches around the US and Caribbean where I vacationed. My subjects may vary, but my style is consistent and evident in each painting. This is what keeps me motivated to paint my next masterpiece. Also in the studio to get my creative vibe going is I Have to Paint to Music. Just like my subject matter, my musical taste varies, from the Classic Rock-n-Roll of the Rolling Stones and The WHO to the Blues of Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy to the Oldies of Elvis and Dean Martin to the instrumentals of Yanni and my favorite Disco sounds of KC or Kool and the Gang. I get lost in the music, and I start painting faster or slower to the rhythmic beat. Music inspires me Big time and helps me create.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have created a unique style of painting called, Graphic Realism. I graduated from the Art institute in Philadelphia where I studied Painting, Graphic Design and Advertising. Upon graduation, I apprenticed for a Silk-Screen Print maker where I spent several years working with him preparing and doing color separations for the screens. This was my education into the world of Fine Art and it was a huge influence on my painting style.

After leaving that job, I took a few part time jobs in promotional modeling and floral design/delivery girl to help supplement my income to get me started into the world of Art. I first started with oil painting, but after a few years, I became allergic the scents in the oil paints, so I set out to try something new, and that was watercolor painting. The combination of Silk Screen Printing and my early years painting in oils, gave way for my sophisticated Watercolor style.

Viewers are attracted to my watercolors because it’s Singular. They are drawn to my work because it seems they are most interested in my technique and use of color. Most have never seen an approach to a traditional medium painted in such a manner. The use of color and brushwork is the most noticeable differences. I use rich layers of vibrant color against strong contrasting darks to give my paintings dimension and the fractured brush strokes demonstrating a clean graphic quality, provide texture and emit emotion from the viewer.
To achieve this provocative painting style I use liquid masking fluid extensively as a blocking agent for the whites, bright colors and textured brushwork in my works.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The skills that I found most useful and depended upon the most was To better myself as an artist and in my career, I have always surrounded myself with lots of art friends who were excellent in their craft. Throughout my career, I joined art groups where we had constructive critiques on our works of art. I joined membership art groups, where I sat on the board and took a few positions of Treasurer and Exhibition Chairperson of these organizations so I could learn the ins and outs of running a show or how to promote a show. I think the biggest skill one can do in their career is Marketing Yourself, You are your Own best sales person.

I am always willing and do, help new artists get started into the world of Fine Art. My advice to them…
* Learn from everyone and be a sponge.
* Surround yourself with Great artists.
* Always strive to be better.
*Challenge yourself in painting new subject matter, try various sizes from large scale painting to miniatures.
*Never be afraid to enter Competitions, Juried Shows, do commissions and Solo Exhibitions.
*Always Believe in yourself and Love what you do. I always say, “If you don’t like it, than how do you expect someone else to like it.”
*Whether it’s trying to get into a competition or sell your painting, Get used to rejection. Rejection is just one person’s opinion. Don’t give up, Keep on trying. What may not work for one competition may win you an award in another competition.
Above all…. LOVE what you Do, this is Who You Are!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Looking back on my career and what got me to be where I am today is simple…. You got to have a great Support team in your field. Having the wonderful support and joint ventures with artist friends throughout my career has always helped me in being a Better artist. My Husband Has been my Biggest and number one fan since our college years and married life. He keeps encouraging me when I want to try something new, he gives me great feedback and tells me when it’s great and also when I may need a little tweaking…. I count on this the most. The other person helping me overcome challenges and support, would be Me. I have to have the desire to Want to be an Artist. Nobody can do it for you. You have to want it from within and give 100%. It’s who I am and I need to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bethpalser.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethpalserfineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethPalserFineArt

Image Credits

In the one photo is my Husband Bill Quindlen and myself after I received an award.
In one of the photos is myself with my long time artist friends, Steve Oliver, Catharine Colsher, Susan Bankey Yoder and Charles Wilmont