Betsey Bradley was born in Chicago, Illinois and currently resides in Colorado. In High School, she began drawing her friends with an eye toward capturing their likenesses. She attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
One of Betsey Bradley's main influences is Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres, well known for his realistic portraiture. Bradley states, "Ingres maintained that the artist could not only capture the physical characteristics but the psychological depth of the sitter. A painting has the ability to bring an object or theme to life like no photograph can. I choose just how much detail I wish to capture and apply each step against how it impacts the painting. I work each piece as an inspired expression of not only what interests me, but also what I would display on my own walls. I must like the subject enough to spend the time necessary to bring the expression to life. I do extensive photography for reference and frequently combine two or three different shots to compose one final painting. "
Betsey's work has been exhibited in New York City at the National Acrylic and Casein Show, Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Show, and the Real Show. She was commissioned by the Bradford Exchange to paint a series of four collectible plates entitled "Father's Love".
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