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Elizabeth Craumer Biography
My work constitutes a variety of pastel landscapes. I enjoy working in pastel versus oil because one can use the colors without premixing. This medium is related closely to drawing but is united with painting by the way color is applied to the paper. My style is distinctive because of its ‘painterly’ feel. To create this softness, I do not physically blend the colors that I use; therefore, each color stands alone in the painting. The layering of pure color creates a visual blending.
My original influence was my mother who was always working on some kind of creative project. Whether it was painting, sculpting or refinishing furniture, there was always something being created in our house.
I began taking private art lessons as a young teenager and participated in local art shows. My art skills were further developed by working toward and receiving a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. There I received a very solid background in drawing and painting. As an undergraduate, one of my favorite areas of study was lithography. Making limited-color lithograph prints helped clarify how values create form. Later, I went back to school and earned an M.S. in Art Education so that I could share my passion with others. I currently work in the Pembroke School system.
Since moving to New Hampshire a few years ago, I have been inspired by the uniquely beautiful landscapes around me to create colorful pastel pieces. I enjoy working from photographs as it provides the artistic opportunity to select the weather as well as the season. As a member of NH Plein Air, I also enjoy painting outdoors on location and becoming totally immersed in the environment in which I am working. There is something very special about feeling the mood of the prevailing landscape. In addition, one is forced to make bold decisions because the light is always changing.
Memberships include NH Plein Air, Sharon Arts Center, Lowell Art Association, Brush Art Gallery and Dunstable Artisans. I hold the office of Secretary and am also a member of the Pastel Society of New Hampshire. The NOA Gallery in Groton, MA, the Lincoln Art Gallery in Lincoln, NH, the Surroundings Art Gallery in Center Sandwich, NH, and the Angles and Art Fine Art Gallery in Haverhill, MA, represent my work. Awards have been received through participation in outdoor shows, and I also participate in other juried shows around New England.
I hope my technique and use of color translates my love of nature to you, the viewer. Please enjoy my impressions of the New England landscape. I can be reached at betsy_craumer@comcast.net or at (603) 472-4027.
Education
BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art
MS in Art Education from Northern Illinois University
Various classes and workshops with Linda Obremski, Robert Carsten, Karen Baker, Mary Buergin, Michael Chesley Johnson, Frank Federico, Susan Ogilvie
Shows
- Multiple Pastel Society of NH Member Shows
- The Wine Studio, Manchester – One Person show
- Art in the Park, Greeley Park, Nashua
- Amherst Library – one person show
- Saco Sidewalk Art Festival, Saco, ME
- Art on Bartlett Mall, Newburyport, MA
- Mills Falls Marketplace, Meredith, NH
- Dunstable Artisans’ show, Groton, MA
- ‘Pastel Pleasures’ at Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell, MA
Juried Shows
- “Northeast National Pastel Exhibition”, Old Forge, NY
- “PSNH New England Juried Show”, Enfield, NH
- “Fragments”, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, Fredericksburg, VA
- “9th International Juried Exhibition for Pastels Only”, Pastel Painters of Maine, Bath M
Galleries
- JWhite Mountain Artisans Gallery, North Conway, NH
- Angles & Art Fine Art Galleries, Haverhill, MA
- NOA Gallery, Groton, MA
- Surroundings Art Gallery in Center Sandwich, NH
- White Birch Art Gallery in Londonderry, NH
Membership Affiliations
- NH Plein Air
- Pastel Society of NH - Secretary
- Sharon Arts Center
- Dunstable Artisans
- Lowell Art Association
Awards
- 3rd Place - Art on The Common, Londonderry
- MAA Artist of the Month – multiple months
- 3rd Place – 7th Annual Spring Art Show, “Nature’s Beauty”
- Honorable Mention – Keyes Summer Show, Milford
- 2nd Place – Greeley Park, Nashua
- 2nd Place – Andover Art in the Park, MA
Contact Information
9 Checkerberry Lane, Bedford, NH 03110
(603) 472-4027
cell (603) 540-6451
betsy_craumer@comcast.net
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To create a soft, painterly feeling, I do not blend together the many colors that I use. Each color stands alone in the painting, and the layering of pure color creates the visual blending that I achieve. Working from photographs provides the artistic opportunity to select the weather as well as the season.
Painting plein air or out-of-doors allows me to become totally immersed in the environment in which I am working. There is something special about feeling the mood of the landscape as you work. |
