If you are interested in “Maine Art,” this one is for you: "Bettinson’s Maine" is a visual exploration of aspects of Maine, its flora and fauna, its boats, the vernacular architecture, and the machines which alter the landscape.

The exhibition brings together examples of the artist’s studio output from 1991 to 2005.  In the 19 images, paintings, and works on paper alike, Bettinson’s creative inventiveness is on full display, as is her deep understanding of what different techniques contribute to image making.

Brenda Bettinson opted to retire early from her art career in New York, which as chair of an university art department encompassed teaching art history and studio courses, lecturing to art audiences and the general public, exhibiting, and a myriad of other obligations that provided her with a living in art, but allowed for little time for what she really wanted to pursue: making art. 

Maine became the great escape from her pressured urban existence and offered a whole new way to her to see her environment and to respond visually.  Her work changed.  The human figure was no longer present and perception in general and the perception of time in particular became a central theme for the next decade and a half.  Bettinson’s interest in the surface also changed; she arrived at a layering approach which allowed her to build up or subtract areas of the picture plane and she developed a preference for the polygon rather than standardized rectangular or square panels and canvases that are the staples of art supply stores.  Bettinson found satisfaction in the creation of these abstract wooden shapes and prepared them with an undercoat to receive an image that is characterized by a fragmented yet realistic approach.  Over time the fragmentation becomes more complex and uses abstract forms, which differ from the shapes of the painting’s surface.  These works engage the viewer as one is drawn to approach the individual works from several angles in order to more fully comprehend their fascinating complexity.                            

A different part of the Bettinson’s œuvre is the "Ravensbrück Series" currently on display at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center (HHRC), 46 University Drive in Augusta. Here you can view in Dr. Sarah Foulger’s words, “This momentous series of paintings, the final resonant chord in the music of Brenda Bettinson’s life […]”.  A collection of 17 paintings conceived as a travelling exhibition represent Bettinson’s last sonorous visual statement.  It reminds us that the past is prologue and warns us not to repeat the mistakes of previous times of strife.

Ragnhild Baade, a Lincoln County resident and member of the board of directors, HHRC Maine commented “[…] These paintings must be viewed again and again, in a museum setting, in a gallery, a public place by young and old.  You want them to make an indelible imprint into the souls of the audience so that the viewers will come away never to forget."

Visit https://www.hhrcmaine.org for more information. Hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mathias Fine Art is located at 10 Mathias Drive, Trevett. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Contact the gallery: 207-633-7404 or info@mathiasfine.com