4 Elements Drawing

It all started at an early age for me. Creatively and artwork is something I have enjoyed since kindergarten. Growing up in a family operated bakery in Grand Rapids Michigan that specialized in custom designed goods provided an outlet to cultivate my imagination. Artistic expression was encouraged at home and the kitchen table quite often displayed a swirling dervish of glue paint and artwork. This led me to Calvin College where I graduated with an art education degree and learned more clearly how our Creator calls each of us to inspire others. My husband Chris and my two boys have encouraged my artwork over the years. The past 22 years I have been honored to teach elementary and secondary art in local schools in Michigan as well as teach small groups of adults one night painting lessons. I completed a Masters Degree in Painting at Eastern Michigan University, sold original artwork, illustrated children's books, obtained commissions on illustration originals and prints, received watercolor awards and created several types of art work at large and small events as a live performance artist. You can find my some of my performance art on YouTube at Betsy McDaniel on YouTube. But the best activity in my life that pushed me to understand artistry and become a better artist myself has been through teaching my middle school students. Seeing their free spirit as they create their own designs has opened my eyes to a new level of joyful artistic confidence. The teacher has become the student. May you see clearly how our creator has called you to inspire at others as well.