Beth Crowder

The earliest art influence Beth Crowder can remember is her childhood Little Golden Book, “The Color Kittens.” She says that being an artist is the best job in the world, and that she became an artist to get attention (but we’re pretty sure talent and creative drive had something to do with it too).

Starting with a well-sanded surface, Crowder begins her soft pastel paintings with an underpainting of acrylics in the opposite, or complementary, color. For example, bright, from-the-tube red will form the base for green grass; a bright purple base will show through on a yellow tree. She then layers soft pastels over the acrylic painting. This method gives her works a deep, pointilistic effect.

While Crowder’s landscapes are of specific locations, to the viewer they could be reminiscent of almost anywhere. Crowder’s landscapes have a universal look and appeal that evokes sensations of quiet places visited.

Crowder attended the high school of Art and Design in Manhattan, NY and Friends World College. The message she strives to communicate through her art is, “Pay attention to what is around you!”

Crowder has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, and is the recipient of two Governor Awards in the Juried Exhibition in West Virginia.

Her works are collected by the University of Charleston, Collection of West Virginia Women Artists, and in the Permanent Collection of the State of West Virginia.