Gleason Fine Art opens “Brad Betts: Boats and Harbors” on Thursday, Sept. 19. The public is cordially invited to a reception for the artist on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Boothbay Harbor gallery is located at 31 Townsend Avenue.

Brad Betts has been an artist for over 20 years and is a signature member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery’s acclaimed “International Marine Art Exhibition” for the past 7 years.

In 2006, he received the “Maritime Gallery Yachting Award” at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of “Four Distinguished Artists” at the Mystic Seaport Gallery. In 2011, Betts' maritime painting “Cup Challenge” was selected by internationally renowned author Ferenc Maté for the cover of “Sea of Lost Dreams,” the second book in the Dugger/Nello series. Betts is currently working on a book cover for Maté’s first book in the series, “Ghost Sea.”

His inspiration to paint all things nautical is an outgrowth of his youth, which was spent deep sea fishing and sailing around the Gulf Coast waters. Today, his paintings reflect his life-long appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine’s inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine: blue skies, billowing sails and shimmering seas.

In 2007, Betts and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay, an area famous for boatbuilding. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Betts the opportunity to connect daily with the classic scenes that most inspire him.

Betts has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain his natural, inspired style. He seeks this through outdoor painting.

“When you paint outside, the light and conditions change constantly. This forces you to simplify your decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts,” Betts said. “In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within.”

“Brad Betts: Boats and Harbors” runs through Saturday, Nov. 2. For more information, call the gallery at 207-633-6849, email info@gleasonfineart.com or go to www.gleasonfineart.com.