Even in her youth, Landes had an interest in drawing and was fortunate to attend a summer children's beginner art class. In 2006, Betty rekindled her interest in art by revisiting earlier unfinished pieces and began to paint again. After the death of her husband in 2011, Landes joined a small band of female art enthusiasts in Lewisville under the tutelage of a local retired art teacher. 

“One of the paintings I had stored was my interpretation of the classic of “Jesus, The Good Shepherd,” by Bernhardt Plockhorst, an 18th century artist, which I sketched on a canvas but never finished. It was stored for over 30 years, and I completed it several years ago in oils” Landes stated. 

The work currently hangs at First Baptist Church in Lewisville.

When asked about her inspiration Landes stated “When I became serious about drawing and later painting, my eyes were opened to seeing things in a very different way. I began to look more closely at the world around me, landscapes, flowers, people. How can I capture that likeness in a drawing or painting? How can I show depth, how can I duplicate a color from a sunset that only God could perfect. It has changed my way of seeing the world.”

Landes’ work will be on display for the public to view starting on November 2nd and going until the 30th. A gallery reception is planned on November 9th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for members and the community. Then, Landes’ works will be on display at the Art Station, 200 E. Division Street. Gallery hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday through Thursday and 10am to 3pm on Fridays. ]

For more information contact Jennifer Block, Executive Director, Southwest Arkansas Arts Council. 870-777-8200 or [email protected]. 

Website: www.swa-artscouncil.squarespace.com

Location: 200 Division Street Hope, AR 71801

The mission of the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council (SWAAC) is to enrich our community through experience, expression, education in all the arts.