Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bethany Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bethany, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

As a young person, I believed that developing a personal style meant discovering a unique method of drawing. However, when my teachers attempted to teach me how to shade a cube, I struggled to comprehend the lesson. Eventually, I stopped drawing entirely during my late teenage years and early twenties. Looking back, I realize that if I had more confidence in myself and my instructors, I might have progressed more rapidly. Ultimately, the most critical skill for success was persistence. To create a drawing, begin by planning your composition in your sketchbook. Then, add shapes, textures, and shadows over the composition. Repeat this process every time, regardless of what you are drawing. This is the fundamental technique for drawing. While learning watercolor, I relied on books, YouTube tutorials, and a fantastic class taught by an award-winning artist from Minnesota. As an adult, my biggest challenge in expanding my knowledge is the isolation I experience. However, I know that living in isolation has also uniquely influenced my artwork – it’s a double-edged sword.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I didn’t have any major life event that inspired me to try watercolor painting. I simply grew tired of using pencils and thought I’d experiment with a new medium. I began by painting the people and objects in my everyday life. As someone from a rural background, I take pride in incorporating my roots into my art and using it to create a sense of place. Although I currently reside 700 miles away from my hometown, I still live in a rural area and find beauty in the imperfections of my surroundings. I enjoy painting the flaws and details of my subjects, such as cracks, chips, weeds, and chores.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist, it’s exhilarating to witness personal growth across various aspects of life every year. Art has offered a constant source of stability since childhood. As a result, my confidence in people has increased along with my confidence in myself. People now seem more like allies rather than adversaries.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Well, I was 18 when I took a marketing course. I advise anyone to do that. The skills and knowledge I gained from the class can be applied daily and have numerous benefits. It’s also important to enroll in as many classes as possible, both online and in person, to learn from professionals in your field. From my experience, being assertive has greatly contributed to positive aspects of my life. Don’t be afraid of rejection, but instead ask for what you want confidently. You may be surprised by the positive responses you receive. Make asserting yourself a habit and see how it positively impacts your life.     

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jackbethson.art
• Instagram: @jackbethson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-jackson-3a8643258/

Image Credits
Artist’s portrait courtesy of Joshua D. Jackson