By NVOS artist Davina Rubin
NVOS Artist Betty Jo March occasionally paints in her studio, but she works mostly on location in the Napa Valley, “this beautiful place I am fortunate to call home.” She prefers watercolor, but also works in oils.
Drives through the Napa Valley and traveling all the crossroads give Betty Jo much inspiration. The off-beaten paths often provide her with undiscovered spots that stir her creative energies.
Betty Jo is the first to admit that plein air painting can be a challenge. Through much of her career she has been out painting in every condition –cold, hot, wet, windy. Having to hold her board steady against the wind, having an easel slide down a bank and almost land in a creek, painting meadows in Pope Valley – all have been part of her experiences. At 83, Betty Jo is a seasoned artist who says the weather now does at times slow her down. Still, she perseveres.
She has competed in many juried shows and taken awards. She is now a member of the Society of Western Artists, and is a partner in the Blue Heron Gallery.
Betty Jo enjoys visits to her studio from the “returning faithful” who, over the years, have become more like friends. But new faces are always welcome.
You can visit Betty Jo at Studio #37, at Rutherford Ranch Winery, 1680 Silverado Trail, in St. Helena, California. You can also see her artwork online at www.bettyjomarch.com.
Artist, writer and actress Davina Rubin uses acrylics and mixed media to create abstract works on both canvas and paper. She paints in her small loft in Napa, and writes a philosophic blog at www.davinarubin.com. You can also see some of her artwork at www.davinarubinart.weebly.com, and you can visit her at Studio # 42 during Napa Valley Open Studios.
