Bio

Betsey MacDonald lives in Clayville, Rhode Island with her husband, 3 horses, 3 dogs and 4 cats. Betsey has a BFA in art and teaches chemistry and anatomy. Through her interest and understanding of science, she is a keen observer of nature and animals. Her real passion is for horses. Leonardo DaVinci is her inspiration. She strives for his accuracy of anatomy but applies her own energy and bold color approach to her work.

Betsey has designed posters for the United Nations, state of Massachusetts, town of Westport and Ocean State Marathon. She has written and illustrated three children’s books, one of which she also wrote. Her paintings hang in more than 400 private homes across the country.

Betsey has had horses for 40 years. She has competed in disciplines ranging from saddle seat, jumping, western, polo and most recently hunter paces and dressage. She does all her own training and has won several Massachusetts and New England championships. She no longer shows very much but trail rides all over Rhode Island and just has a blast with her three Morgan horses.

Betsey uses watercolor, oil, pastel and pencil. Her watercolors are fluid and bold with dramatic light effects, Her oils, on canvas or board, employ clean, strong tones and portray the life and energy of her subjects. For her portraits, Betsey uses the classical technique of a monochromatic underpainting then adds color and glazes. Betsey enjoys painting scenes of boats, farms, the ocean and anything white enhanced by shadows and light. However, her special skills and understanding are most evident in her animal work.