Thursday, July 16, 2009

Featured Artist: Betty Burchfield

"Betty Ruth, Self Portrait" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright

"Madison County Court House, 1887" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright

"Grandfather" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright

"Tea Party" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright



Betty Burchfield

God truly gives each of us a talent. What we do with that talent is our gift to Him. My talent is "Art. After a six weeks course in oil painting.... I was asked by my instructor, Billye Williams, if I would take 3 of her new students as she had full classes. I gasped and said "But, I've only taken one class from you. I don't feel qualified". Her response was....."You have a God given talent and the best way for you to learn is to teach". I began classes in an unfinished basement using a ping pong table for the 3 students to sit around with portable easels for each. Billye was right ...... teaching made me study and experiment with the oils much more than I ever would have.. After approximately 2 years, my little business of teaching escalated to teaching beginners, children and advanced. I also had a waiting list. During this period, my way of giving back to God was to conduct a voluntary class at AOkay Home for the Elderly once a week.

Betty has won many prizes at art shows. At one show in Utah, she won first, second, third and honorary mention. She now has been painting 50 years.

She developed a new technique using a person's old photo of something or someone dear to their hearts and making a museum quality oil painting. This was the technique she taught on the internet with much success. Betty has two CDs on the market for teaching this tecnique and also for teaching how to make porcelain dolls.

She gives all the credit to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "Without Him, I would be like a kite trying to fly with no tail". She is now 72 and still painting pictures. She has painted several celebrities such Dr. Phil and Robin, Oprah and Oksana. "My road has been filled with surprises and meeting so many nice people" states Burchfield. She also thanks her family for their love and support. Her son, Dave, encouraged her to get back to painting a few years ago. "My children are my fan club" Betty proudly announces with a big smile.

These are some of the pictures using her new technique.
Please sign my guest book at: www.LittleReb.com
Porcelain Dolls

Please sign my guest book at: www.TreasuredReflections.net
Oil Paintings

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....:
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

13 comments:

  1. Betty is a wonderful artist & doll maker and anyone would be blessed to call her friend, as I do, and to enjoy her artwork in your own home.

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  2. Mrs. Burchfield did a phenomenal oil painting of my three little boys from a photo. All our family and friends are amazed at her God-given talent. It's like looking a photograph, except with the softness and timeless class of an oil painting!

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  3. I have known Betty for several years and we have become very close friends. I can say that the good Lord has gifted her with many creative talents as well as a huge heart. I love watching her work and see the joy in a finished product. Outstanding artist and a true friend.

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  4. So many talents in one person is a major God given gift that Reb has worked hard to preserve and she has given help and support to lots of people. I am proud to be one of her contacts.

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  5. A beautiful lady who opens her heart and her
    home to everyone. I feel fortunate to know her as a friend. She doesn't just "talk the
    talk", but she also "walks the walk".

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  6. Absolutely beautiful... Ms. Burchfield is a phenomenal artist...she created a gorgeous doll for me, and also a splendid painting.. I am so honored to have met her in person, she absolutely delightful.

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  7. Imagine this...Betty has been my sister for all my life and best friend for most! I have watched her talents grow with pride and amazement. She is one of the most kind and generous ladies I've even known. If you own one of her "perfections", you are indeed blessed.

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  8. RoseMarie (the Netherlands)July 22, 2009 at 3:53 AM

    I'm always amazed by the beautiful paintings she makes......

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  9. Betty created a portrait of my son which always gives me joy to look at -- not only because it is an image of someone I love, but also because it was painted by someone I love.
    She is an inspiration to me.
    Pat DuChene

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  10. LIL REB AS I KNOW HER IS ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED ARTISTS OF THE DECADE ANYONE WOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE HER ART IN THEIR HOME , BE IT A PORCELAIN DOLL OR A BEAUTIFUL PORTRAIT OF A LOVED ONE OR PET. IM PROUD TO CALL HER ARTIST AND FRIEND WITH LOVE. KARI DUNCAN

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  11. I cannot begin to tell you all how much I appreciate your kind words about me and my paintings and dolls.

    My talents are God given. I have had little training. I even look at my paintings and porcelain dolls sometimes and say "How did I do that"! I did it with the help of the Master's hands.

    If you have a talent which is God Given, I recommend you do all you can with it and give our Lord and Savior all the praise. He will open doors for you that you could never have imagined.

    My reward comes in meeting wonderful people through the dolls and painting. Also, in making my family proud of me.

    Thanks to you all, especially Gina Hurst. I have never met Gina in person but I feel I know her. We are Sisters in Christ. Gina has
    been such a blessing to me. She encourages me all the time and takes much interest in my paintings and in me. I love you, Gina.

    I love you all and so glad to be able to call you "friends".

    Betty Burchfield, aka "Little Reb" or "Goose

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  12. Little Reb as I call her is a wonderful friend and a great artist and dollmaker as well as pattern designer. The first time I ever talked to her on the phone I felt like I had known her for a lifetime.She has been very encouraging to me and I only wish I could meet her in person. It would be an honor to have one of her painting or one of her painted dolls.She is also a wonderful doll sculptor and I am so glad that she is using her god given talents. I had very little in the way of classes and do porcelain dolls and like Reb I have learned a lot on my own and feel that God has rewarded me with many talents. I tell everyone I am like my dad. I am a Jack of all trades and master of none. I love the dolls I have made from Rebs doll molds and her patterns. She is the greatest person you would ever want to meet and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. I a so proud to call her my friend and love her dearly.

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  13. Andrea Guthrie, Owner of Zazzy'sAugust 7, 2009 at 7:17 PM

    I love Mrs. Burchfield's artwork! The passion she has for the arts is apparent when she picks up a paintbrush, sculpts a doll's features, through her calligraphy and in her beadwork.....we have her artwork in our store for sale.

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