Brenda Bettinson’s show “SUBTLE” at Mathias Fine Art features 16 of the artist’s drawings completed between 1992 and 2002. Some have never been shown before. The work is done in pencil, colored pencil and graphite, atop various types of fabric and/or paper. During this 10-year period, Brenda also made paintings reflecting the same themes as the drawings of her surroundings in Trevett on Barters Island from woodland and gardens, wildlife, stone walls, and machinery.

Being familiar with Brenda’s work, and the image sent by gallery owner Cordula Mathias for the press releases, I knew these drawings were going to be sensational, mesmerizing. And they are. As Cordula says, “It’s always intent. Brenda knows what she wants and works until she gets it.”

Layers, textures, the passage of time, the biology of and celebrations of nature … it’s all there. I’ve gotta start with my favorite piece in the show: “Transmogrification of the Square,’ a pencil and colored pencil, 31” x 31” from 2002.

The first thing I observed about this in-depth drawing was the movement created by texture, the colors and shading. The image in this piece, previously shown at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, is a mushroom that appears to be ready to grow out of the frame. It could be a hybrid chicken and hen of the woods. The delicacy and life force of the mushroom is fully realized through Brenda’s use of paper and markings made by pencils and colored pencil. Her detailed exploration belies her fascination with her subjects. Just want to crawl on top of one of the white petal-like parts of the mushroom and take a nap, it looks so comfy. “Alice” would love it, too.

See, that’s “the thing,” all of the subjects in this show are alive; they show or imply movement. Take “Danny’s Truck”(1998/99) pencil & colored pencil, 20” x 24½". This is an amazing piece of work because the truck seems to be moving through time. No, really. At first when you look at Dan Alley’s truck it appears to be moving toward you, look again and it appears to be making a turn to the left … keep looking to your right and the truck is less detailed, less dense drawn in light pencil – just the sketch, no other details except that this final view shows the truck has already completed that turn and is moving straight away from what is now the past, in the present toward a new destination … again, right off the canvas. Don’t you just love this kinda stuff? Although you would no doubt interpret it differently.

And that is the beauty of art – we all experience it differently. But we must experience it. For our sanity. OK … moving on ...

The drawings of mechanical subjects move and shape the land over time while life force of of nature moves through its stages, sometimes shaped by man, but for the most part nature grows and shines through its life cycles.

Another drawing that fascinated me is “Found Object” (1999) pencil & colored pencil on paper 19½” x 24". It is the skull of a desiccated cat. A neighbor found the cat in the woods and brought it over to Brenda thinking the artist might want to do something with it.

“It was mummified, but some skin remained on it,” recalled Cordula. “Brenda stored it in our shed for a few days and when she brought it in she found the skull and head intriguing.”

Intriguing is a good word to describe the completed drawing study. Yes there are areas of skin, but it’s the inner areas of the skull that are so carefully, almost lovingly drawn. The darkened, hollowed out areas around the bone … it is a most compelling piece in the show. “One lady called to arrange a private talk and tour this week,” Cordula shared.

I’m not surprised. Once you’ve experienced Brenda Bettinson’s work, and you’ve got to get up close to truly see her masterful techniques, then step away … and think about it for awhile.

Cordula has numbered the works in “SUBTLE” and you’ll find #1 in the main exhibit space of Mathias Fine Art.

Cordula Mathias is considering several additional shows featuring Brenda’s drawings, which she feels are equally as important as her paintings. These future shows (hopefully one in 2020!) will be presented in what Cordula calls “cohesive segments” … and if you know Cordula, you expect nothing less!

“In my opinion – and experience,” Cordula said, “the viewer is presented with a nuanced approach to subject, content and execution which is rarely practiced or attained and which lends itself to serious study and contemplation. These works are a gift because they can open the door to a whole new level of awareness in seeing.”

My advice: Open the door.

This show is still being shown by appointment! Call Cordula at the gallery: 633-7404. The gallery is at 10 Mathias Drive, Trevett, Barters Island. Also visit www.mathiasfineart.com