Introducing Bettie Wilde, a figurative artist with a beautiful collection of work. She is based in Everett, Washington.
![Artwork by Bettie Wilde](bettiewilde1.jpeg)
What would you say is your main source of inspiration?
A friend reached out to me during quarantine, she was being abused for the last 30 years by an ex of mine. When I got the call I froze in panic knowing what she was experiencing. I felt responsible for not reporting my ex when I was younger. Going through that with her really opened my eyes.
I decided to write a book helping to support women going through domestic violence called All The Pretty Flowers. It was a great victory, I was so proud and grateful that I could help her out of this situation and provide a way for women to build their strength. My paintings from my collection All The Pretty Flowers series are a homage to women who are suffering in quarantine with their abuser.
Emotions, I can’t get away from them unless I throw them into a painting. Then I can let them go and show them respect. Pain is part of growing.
![All The Pretty Flowers by Bettie Wilde](https://tva1.sinaimg.cn/large/0081Kckwly1gljp685ym8j30og1124qp.jpg)
![Artwork by Bettie Wilde](bettiewilde3.jpg)
When did you start making art? What does art offer you?
I started painting as a child. My mother loved when I painted and it was the one thing that her and I connected on. I started painting feverishly, upset I didn’t do it when she was alive. Quarantine really gave me the time and place to really hash out what I was feeling. For me art is my voice. I can’t tell you in the same depth all that I feel without using a visual medium. You can’t lie in your art, the truth bleeds through.
![Artwork by Bettie Wilde](bettiewilde4.jpg)
Is there a story behind one of your works you would like to share?
The day my book launched I received the news that my mother passed away. I was struck down with enormous grief. I did the only thing I knew to do was to paint and my series Obsolete was born. I wasn’t able to see my mother and never got to say good-bye. She died alone in quarantine.
![Artwork by Bettie Wilde](bettiewilde5.jpg)
What are some pieces of advice you have for other artists?
Stop trying to be perfect. Get messy, get as ugly as you can be and then step back.
![Artwork by Bettie Wilde](bettiewilde6.jpg)
Do you have any favorite resources for learning art?
Paint every day! I am inspired by other artists, now you can find so many wonderful classes online and not have to spend thousands on a college to learn and master your skill. Eventually, you will find your voice. Be persistent.
The Wandering Muse was a course I took of Jeanne Oliver and it taught me to be myself. It was the first time I saw myself in my work.
![Artwork by Bettie Wilde](bettiewilde7.jpg)
![Artwork by Bettie Wilde](bettiewilde8.jpg)
I encourage you to check out her website, which can be found at https://www.bettiewilde.com.