Bette Belanger, a contemporary landscape artist who grew up in the Georgian Bay area and of Metis heritage, has drawn inspiration from renowned figures like the Group of Seven and Emily Carr since her early years. This influence has profoundly shaped her artistic journey. Her distinct style is marked by daring and expressive brushwork using oil paints. She finds her creative groove in the alla prima technique, which infuses her work with a vibrant and lively quality.
Bette's artistic endeavors frequently lead her to plein air painting in the serene and rustic settings of Canadian landscapes, particularly in the vicinity of Georgian Bay, Northern Ontario, and the picturesque Gatineau Hills where she is now located. Notably, her artworks have graced group exhibitions hosted by prestigious galleries like Rothwell Gallery, Foyer Gallery, and Espace – Pierre Debain and has a solo show at the Kaufman Gallery. Moreover, her talent has shone in collective displays arranged by the Carleton Place and West Carleton Arts Association.
Embracing her identity as a Métis artist, Bette Belanger participated in a group exhibition titled "Embracing Our Differences." This event, in June 2023 at the Arbor Gallery, magnificently celebrated her distinct perspective alongside the exceptional insights of fellow accomplished artists.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that Bette has embarked on an artist residency in Coaticook, Quebec for the months of August and September. This exciting opportunity provided her with dedicated time and space to immerse herself in her craft, fostering even greater creative growth and innovation.
Bette’s work has been collected by several private collectors in Ontario, Quebec and British Colombia She currently lives and works in Gatineau, Quebec and is represented by the Rothwell Gallery and Foyer Gallery, which are both located in Ottawa.
Curriculum Vitae
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
Summary
I grew up in the Georgian Bay area which has a diverse rustic landscape. As a Metis artist I feel a strong connection with the landscape. I often paint en plein aire as it keeps me connected to my environment. When I paint outdoors in the elements it is done in an immediate expressive way. I work alla prima to keep my work fresh and impressionistic. Studio work gives me a chance to expand upon my field work in a larger format.
Education
Chris Kolupski, online work shop for the month of November 2022
Tomas Pajdlhauser, Ottawa, Ontario, 2019 - workshop
Amanda Brett, Tuscany, Italy, 2017 - workshop
Gordon McKenzie, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, 1999 - workshop
Nancy Rider, A.C. Leighton Centre, Alberta, 1990 - workshop
Betty McDonald (one-year apprenticeship) - Calgary, Alberta, 1989
Exhibition History
Foyer Gallery - Transitions - Sept. 19 - October 8, 2023
Hoffman's Gallery - Solo show - June 8 - 30, 2023
Arbor Gallery - Embracing Our Differences - June 2 - July 2, 2023
Arts Carleton Place – Spring Fine Arts Show – May 6th – 7th, 2023
Foyer Gallery – Show: Currents – March 13th – April 2nd, 2023
West Carlton Arts Association – Spring Fling – March 6th – 19th, 2023
Rothwell Gallery – Work currently on exhibit
Foyer Gallery – Show: Chill, November 1st – 27th, 2022
Foyer Gallery – Show: On the Road Again, August 10 – Sept 14th, 2022
Canadensis Garden Show – August 13th, 2022
Espace – Pierre-Debain – Show: A View of the City, July 13th – Sept 4th, 2022
Galeries De Hull - Art Visuels de Gatineau, 2nd Exhibition, June 10th – Sept 4th, 2022
Galerie d’art Riverside, November 2020/April 2021
Station Gallery, May 2002
Northern Baking Co., August 2002
Carling Art Show, September 2002
Affiliations/Memberships
West Carlton Art Society
Arts Carlton Place
Art Pontiac
La Fab Sur Mill
Foyer Gallery
Studio 101
Omani Society of Fine Arts
Residencies
Ville de Coaticook, Quebec - Artist in Residence Program - July, August and September 2023.
