Member Profile of the Month

Betty McGowan: An Intuitive Artist

by Olivia Morin, September 2025

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Betty McGowan. She won an honorable mention in the 2025 OAA Juried Show in the Non Objective Abstract category.

As an intuitive abstract artist, much of her work does not have a planned result. “I will choose my colours and a mood or a feeling that I wish to capture. The painting may end up portraying this mood. As the process goes, the direction can change on a whim. “Partway through the process, the painting will speak to me.” The painting may start one way and end up quite different than what was anticipated. The mood in her painting changes as her feelings reveal themselves. 

As many artists do, they change course, “I started out working in watercolour, but now I work exclusively in acrylic. Having experience with watercolour, I love the look and feel of the paint mingling on the canvas, creating the wonderful fusion of two colours.” Recently, she has been exploring something new. Betty is moving away from her usual spontaneous style to a multiple-layered style. “I am still attempting to keep the freshness and energy I love so much.”

Her words of encouragement are simple and clear, “Try it, try it, try it!” The goal is to learn as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to experiment. “Mix, mix, mix those colors and then try them out on paper or canvas to see what they really look like in action!” It’s important to note that in the process of experimenting, you’re going to make mistakes. “Take these “failures” as a sign of progress.”

It's clear that Betty finds the joy in spontaneity. The lesson is to let the feelings flow off your paintbrush and onto canvas.

Thank you Betty McGowan for sharing your journey!