The Reflective Pelican

After seeing a photo of my recent “Royal Tern” painting Marc Buehler commissioned me to paint a large Pelican painting. I already planned to paint a photo I had on hand and since his only requirement was to paint it big I painted it using watercolors and and acrylics on a 30x40 canvas in my semi-impressionistic style. I’ve always enjoyed watching pelicans peer down their long beaks, observing the water in search of their next meal. With this piece, I like to imagine this particular pelican pausing for a quiet moment to admire its own shifting reflection. I focused on creating the fluid motion of the water with sweeping, dynamic strokes, bringing the scene to life with lots of movement and color reflections. To order prints: BethBasista.pixels.com

This acrylic painting of a turtle swimming under the sea, with air bubbles and beautiful color. Beth Basista painted this turtle in her semi impressionism style with vivid acrylic colors.

A Turtle’s Journey

"A Turtle's Journey". Talk about an incredible journey–Did you know turtles have been on earth since before the dinosaurs and use the planet’s magnetic fields to find their way back to where they were hatched? Originally, I planned to enhance this painting using metallic paint, but as I worked, the colors came alive in a way that I felt it didn't need enhanced. Using acrylics I enjoyed the challenge of capturing the beauty and timeless spirit of this magnificent traveler. #seaturtle, #turtlepainting, #bethbasista, #turtle, #art, #impressionism

Beth Basista's painting of a pelican. Using watercolors and referring to Tim Comer's reference photo this watercolor painting captures the reflective mood of a pelican.

A Pelican’s Contemplation

Beth Basista choose to use watercolors to paint this pelican on a 24x30 frameless canvas. I want to thank professional photographer Tim Comeux for providing the beautiful reference photo that captures the serene, reflective mood of the pelican as it floats on the water, seemingly lost in thought. The illustrator in me couldn't help but paint in the detailed and vibrant plumage and the pelican's reflection shimmering beneath. The background features calming shades of blue, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere it adds to any room it's displayed in. #pelicanpainting, #pelican, #bethbasista, #watercolorpaintings, #shorebirds, #birdpainting, #bethbasista.pixels.com

Beth Basista, known for painting birds and landscapes. This painting of the Brown Pelican by Beth Basista was first painted in Watercolors and then overlaid with acrylics.

Pelican Attraction

I painted this a second time on a 24x30 frameless canvas using both watercolors and acrylics due to the first one selling so quickly and I needed one for my dining room. This brown pelican appears to be on a mission to attract a mate, proudly displaying its golden crown of feathers. I loved working with vibrant yellows and oranges, which contrast beautifully against the dark mask around its keen, watchful eye, enhancing its majestic presence. The reflection’s colors swirl and shift, creating a mesmerizing effect that draws the viewer’s eye to zig and zag through the painting, adding a dynamic energy to the stillness of the moment. Special thanks to Tim Comeaux for granting me permission to use his stunning photograph as a reference for this painting. To order prints: BethBasista.pixels.com #pelicanpainting, #pelican, #bethbasista, #watercolorpaintings, #shorebirds, #birdpainting

painting of a green heron. Beth Basista painted Technicolor Green Heron on a 16x20 frameless canvas using watercolors, acrylics and oils.

Technicolor Heron

"Technicolor Green Heron" is a mixed media painting Beth Basista created using watercolors, acrylics, and oils. I added a protective gloss coat adding texture and daring the viewer to touch the pallet knife strokes. Despite its name, the Green Heron displays more vivid blues, purples, and reds than green. In this pose, its iridescent green back feathers are hidden. I think it should have been named "The Little Blue Heron" or maybe "The Technicolor Heron" as I named this painting to make it easier to identify. Special thanks to professional photographer Roy L. Herron for generously providing the reference photo that inspired this piece. Order Prints at: BethBasista.pixels.com

#BethBasista.pixels.com, #GreenHeron, #Heron, #birdpainting , #roylherron, #impressionism, #Watercolorpainting, #mixedmedia,

Lake Glacier in Mill Creek MetroParks boat dock. A watercolor landscape painting painted en plein air by Beth Basista

Lake Glacier Boat Dock

I finally found the right painting to fit a beautifully matted ornate frame I had stored away for a while. Nine other local artists accepted my invitation to paint en plein on a beautiful June day as monarch butterflies fluttered all around us. I'm glad we painted here before the 22 million dollar sewer runoff project closes the lake for a few years. This painting is for sale and can be seen now through Dec 27 at Youngstown JCC Art Gallery Show. #bethbasista.pixels.com, #millccreekmetroparks, #watercolorlandscape #ohiopleinair

Artist Beth Basista painted the Clock

Timeless Heart of Columbiana

Painted en plein air on a beautiful spring day using soft watercolor washes and vibrant details. The iconic clock tower stands proudly at its center, an enduring symbol of this small town where time slows down and community spirit stays strong. I hope this painting I created in my impressionistic realism style captures the essence of “The City with a Small-Town Heart”. Visitors and passersby can't help but feel the nostalgic charm of Village of Columbiana with its timeless architecture that makes you pause, reflect and feel at home.

#BethBasistaPaintings #WatercolorArt #PleinAirPainting  #ArtCollectors #SmallTownCharm #ColumbianaOhio    #CityWithASmallTownHeart #NostalgicScenes

A painting of White tulips by Beth Basista. Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Metro Parks..

Two Cups of Flower

“Two Cups of Flower” is my newest watercolor painting, inspired by a photo I took a couple of years ago at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks. I enjoyed painting the textured details of the tulips allowing them to stand out, and blurring the background elements to push them back. Sometimes, coming up with a creative name can be a challenge—so I toss it over to my friend Steve Tepsick, who has a real gift for wordplay. Once again, he came through with a title that made me laugh and fits the painting perfectly. Two Cups of Flower adds just the right dash of whimsy to this joyful spring scene.

#twocupsofflower #bethbasistapaintings #watercolorflowerspainting #millcreekpark #fellowsriversidegardens

Butterfly painting by Beth Basista on Yupo paper using watercolors.

Renewed in Techni-Color

Butterflies have always held a special place in my heart — so much so, I included it in my logo for my former advertising business, Techni-Graphics. Painting this beauty in watercolors on yupo paper brought challenges, but I knew would allow for the brilliant colors I was after for this painting. The butterfly’s symbolism of rebirth felt like the perfect match for this vivid piece… and for my own creative journey. Here’s to taking flight again — in full color.
#ButterflyArt, #ButterflyPainting, #NatureArt, #WatercolorArt, #BethBasista.pixels.com#ArtCollectors, #OriginalWatercolor, #TransformationArt, #SymbolicArt, #SpringVibes, #PaintingOfTheDay

Fall painting by Beth Basista with a stream running through glowing trees.

Quiet Among Trees

I painted this scene mostly from memory, inspired by the countless times I’ve hiked along the gorge trail in Mill Creek Park. The path winds between Lanterman’s Mill and the iconic Suspension Bridge, which is nestled softly in the distance here. The still water reflects the glowing trees above, capturing the golden light and trees that offer a variety of colors. The interplay of color and reflection invites the viewer to pause, breathe, and experience the same quiet peace I’ve always felt in this special place. I laid down acrylics and used oils to soften the colors in the background while create a sense of movement in the water and calm in the forest canopy—a reminder of nature’s timeless beauty and the tranquility it offers when we take time to notice.

Yellow Creek in Struthers Ohio painting by Beth Basista

Quiet Reflections

Painted en plein air in Yellow Creek Park, this piece captures the peaceful moment of a lone goose gliding across the water, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the woodland stream. The dappled greens of the trees reflect softly on the rippling surface, while fallen branches and tangled roots frame the scene with a sense of wild, natural stillness. Painting outdoors allowed me to immerse myself in the calm atmosphere of the park, translating that serenity onto canvas in real time

This watercolor painting of a sunset was painted by Beth Basista. Using watercolors, Basista uses vivid expressive colors to capture the final moment of fun at the beach.

Sunset Silhouettes

My newest watercolor painting captures one of the Florida Gulf Coast sunsets. Although I refer to my photos I used my memory to pint the spectacular colors the camera couldn’t capture. I love how people clap after the sun sinks below the horizon and can’t help but praise God for His amazing glory. I began with the horizon, layering the sky upward before returning to paint the water and then the trees, sand, and the silhouettes. For prints: BethBasista.pixels.com #FineArt #CoastalArt, #SeascapePainting, #ColorfulArt, #ArtCollectors, #ArtistOnFacebook

Beth Basista painted behind the old mill en plein air using oils. The Lanterman's Mill in Mill Creek Park is a favorite destination.

Behind The Old Mill

I painted “Behind the Lanterman’s Mill” en plein air in my semi-impressionistic style, trying to capture the peaceful view many enjoy from the Covered Bridge. The shimmering reflections in the water lead the eye toward the hidden falls just below. I’ve painted the front Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Park every season, but this new angle feels extra special. Those who’ve been here know they are viewing the back side of a small waterfall that leads to the larger Lanterman’s Falls. — a secret view for those who know where to look.

#BehindTheLantermansMill #LantermansMill #MillCreekPark #EnPleinAirPainting #SemiImpressionism #OilPainting #BethBasistaPaintings #OhioArtist #NatureInspiredArt

Fallen for You!

I decided to sign up for a class at my hometown YMCA after seeing that my dear friend Noreen Yasvac was teaching it, and I’m so glad I did. I had such a great time painting with her and several other artist friends, and it made me so happy to see everyone leave with a painting they can truly be proud of.

Royal Tern on Watch Duty

I enjoyed capturing the details of one of my favorite shorebirds. The Royal Tern embodies its regal name with a striking tangerine-colored bill and a distinctive, ragged, ink-black crest set against pristine white plumage. These majestic birds patrol coastlines with graceful, slow flights, diving to snatch small fish with the precision of their daggerlike bills. Their vigilant presence and exquisite beauty are truly a sight to see.

#birdpainting #royalterns #oceanpaintings #birdloversofinstagram #bethbasista.pixels.com

Tangled Buoys

This painting captures a lively cluster of weathered buoys, their ropes and surfaces twisting together in a colorful tangle. I worked with a new pallet of colors to let the brights shine at their fullest—deep reds, luminous yellows, glowing greens, and cool blues—each playing against rich shadows for energy and depth. The composition reflects both the rugged utility of these nautical forms and the joy of color itself.Inspired by Kathleen Denis, this fresh palette excites me, and I plan to continue exploring it in future works.

Just Whistle

In “Just Whistle,” I wanted to capture a quiet moment at an old country gas station—the kind of place where time seems to slow down. Using my semi-impressionistic style, I focused on the warm afternoon light, the weathered boards, and the vintage signs, especially the old Whistle advertisement that inspired the title. I painted the man on the porch resting in the shade to create a feeling of calm and simplicity. The loose brushwork, textured strokes, and vibrant colors let me bring the rustic station to life while keeping the scene relaxed and a little nostalgic. Order prints on BethBasista.pixels.com

#JustWhistle #AcrylicPainting #SemiImpressionism

#AmericanaArt #GasStationArt #OBrotherWhereArtThou #VintageVibes #NostalgicArt #RuralScenes #BethBasistaPaintings #ArtInspiredByFilm