Brad Betts has been an artist for over 19 years and has sold his coastal seascapes and maritime paintings internationally. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine and is a juried Artist Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA).
Brad has served on the Board of Directors for the Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, a non-profit organization that promotes art in the Southern Maine community. A plein air painting enthusiast, Brad initiated an “Outdoor Studio” clinic through Fiddleheads, bringing together artists of all skill levels and mediums. Currently, Brad teaches plein air painting workshops through the River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta and also offers private lessons. He remains an active member of the local community, as a regular art tutor for the public school system and youth organizations.
Brad’s paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery’s acclaimed “International Marine Art Exhibition” for the past five years. In 2006, Brad received the “Maritime Gallery Yachting Award” at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of “Four Distinguished Artists” at the Mystic Seaport Gallery.
Brad grew up in Sarasota Florida, sailing and fishing the Gulf coast waters. In 2007, Brad and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay Maine, the beautiful seaside village famous for boat building. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Brad the opportunity to connect daily with classic scenes that most inspire him.
Brad has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain a natural and inspired style. He achieves this through outdoor painting, “When you paint outside, the light and atmosphere change constantly. This forces you to make quick decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts. In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within.”
Brad’s paintings reflect his appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine’s inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine—blue skies, billowing sails, and shimmering seas.
Brad has served on the Board of Directors for the Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, a non-profit organization that promotes art in the Southern Maine community. A plein air painting enthusiast, Brad initiated an “Outdoor Studio” clinic through Fiddleheads, bringing together artists of all skill levels and mediums. Currently, Brad teaches plein air painting workshops through the River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta and also offers private lessons. He remains an active member of the local community, as a regular art tutor for the public school system and youth organizations.
Brad’s paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery’s acclaimed “International Marine Art Exhibition” for the past five years. In 2006, Brad received the “Maritime Gallery Yachting Award” at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of “Four Distinguished Artists” at the Mystic Seaport Gallery.
Brad grew up in Sarasota Florida, sailing and fishing the Gulf coast waters. In 2007, Brad and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay Maine, the beautiful seaside village famous for boat building. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Brad the opportunity to connect daily with classic scenes that most inspire him.
Brad has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain a natural and inspired style. He achieves this through outdoor painting, “When you paint outside, the light and atmosphere change constantly. This forces you to make quick decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts. In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within.”
Brad’s paintings reflect his appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine’s inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine—blue skies, billowing sails, and shimmering seas.
