The Montgomery Museum of Art and History will kick off its fall season Thursday, Sept. 3, with an exhibit featuring paintings by local artist Betty Moore.
In her exhibit, titled “Inspired by Nature,” Moore brings the natural beauty of the world to the canvas. From Hawaiian shores to the Rocky Mountains, her paintings capture the wondrous serenity of the outdoors as she brings the scenes to life.
“Inspired by Nature” features acrylic and watercolor paintings, and Moore utilizes each style to create uniquely textured and intricately detailed scenes. Watercolor has always been her favorite, a trait and talent she shares with her grandmother, who was also a passionate painter.
Painting with watercolors is difficult to master because of the fluidity of the form, but Moore “likes the effect you can get with watercolors when the colors run together,” and this certainly shines through in Moore’s “Painted Lady,” a stunning watercolor painting of a butterfly fluttering in purple blossoms.
In another watercolor painting called “Down by the River,” Moore paints an impossibly detailed scene on crinkled rice paper, called Masa paper. Clearly unafraid of a challenge, Moore likes to “try it all” when it comes to art. She said, “One thing I love about art is no matter how long you’ve done it, there are always so many more things to learn and try, so it’s always exciting.”
Moore shares her passion for art and natural beauty by exhibiting her art and taking part in the many art organizations in the community. She has been a member of the Montgomery Museum and the Blacksburg Regional Art Association for many years. She is also a Signature Member of the Virginia Watercolor Society, which means her work was selected to exhibit in annual statewide art shows. Moore has also shared her passion with innumerable students in her 22 years of teaching art in Christiansburg middle and high schools.
Betty Moore’s exhibit is a relaxing escape into serene, natural scenes. For those who have felt cooped up these past few months, the exhibit is a must-see. Her paintings draw the viewers into scenes from the New River Valley, transports them to the shores of Hawaii and Hilton Head and tells the story of a trip out west.
“Inspired by Nature”will be on display through the end of October.
