Students and local art enthusiasts alike are welcome to experience the works of watercolorist Betty Moore through an art show at Bluefield College, now through October 13.
The art show, titled “Explorations: My Personal Journey,” is located on the first floor of Lansdell Hall from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The exhibit is open and free to the public. Weekend hours may be obtained by calling the Bluefield College Art Department at 276-326-4558.
Nathalia Lima, a BC graphic communication junior, said that “Explorations” is one of her favorite art shows to come to Bluefield. She enjoyed it so much she said she had to stop and take photos of the artwork that really grabbed her attention.
“It was very personal, and you could tell she was painting stuff from her daily life, like from her routine, and that was pretty cool, because she made simple daily life beautiful,” said Lima. “That’s what I’m all about. I love stuff like that.”
Using transparent watercolor, Moore reveals to the audience pieces of her life that bring her happiness. A portrait of a smiling woman gazing happily toward the viewer, simply titled “Suzanne,” is the first of many that make up Moore’s exhibit. Paintings of radiant scenes of nature and of children playing make up the mix of the show.
“I love the infinite possibilities of watercolor, its transparency, the ‘accidental’ effects when the colors bleed together, and the ability to combine freedom and spontaneity with precise detail,” said Moore. “I hope that you find the same joy in viewing my work that I have experienced in its creation.”
Lima added that she thought that graphic communication and fine arts students, in general, should take a look at the exhibit because they would be able to appreciate all the techniques that Moore puts into her paintings.
Presently, Moore is a signature member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and has been a member of the Blacksburg Regional Art Association for many years. Her work has been a part of 20 art exhibitions in Virginia and her shows have even been seen in Georgia and West Virginia.
“When I paint my loved ones, I feel close and connected at the heart, even when they are miles away,” said Moore. “When I paint the world around me, I escape into precious vacation memories, as well as pay tribute to the natural beauty of my local surroundings in Southwest Virginia.”
After teaching in Montgomery County Public schools for 22 years, Moore retired in 2009. She said that she loved having the opportunity to share her passion for art with her students and still finds it very gratifying to keep in touch with former students. Since retiring, she has still stayed busy with painting, gardening, and traveling out of state to visit her children and six grandchildren.
“When I create abstract works, I paint for the pure joy of painting, for the relaxation, the release and the escape from the stresses of everyday life,” she said. “I freely manipulate layers of colors, shapes, and textures until the piece speaks to me.”
Moore has been a resident of Blacksburg, Virginia, for most of her life. She graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and later earned a Masters of Fine Arts at Radford University in 2003.