About me and my art and stuff
I've created art as long as I can remember. I do love color and use it freely in my paintings. I like keeping my paintings fresh and exciting and use a variety of mediums in that process.
I have some formal training, from school classes to workshops with amazing artists and observing and reading and taking in things that happen in my path - you know, museums, galleries, studios, all that lovely inspiration that flows ones way. And working and trying everything!
I capture a moment as freshly as I can. I paint landscapes, abstracts, cityscapes, and still lifes that include anything from flowers to wine bottles to my favorite red chair. Oh, and sunflowers, I just love them! I especially enjoy capturing a favorite building or spot as a commission, it's fun to paint memories. It has been suggested that my 'world' is a very colorful place with few constraints. I hope to keep it fun and inviting.
Travels and Artwork
For years I lived in Littleton, Colorado, where my husband and I raised our family. The mountains with their bold graphic presence against the sky were a huge influence. I worked with many inspiring artist's in Colorado.
My husband’s job moved us to Brussels, Belgium for a few years. While in Europe, I was captivated by the colorfully roofed buildings squeezed together and their ornate detail. The ability to explore interesting little places in Europe led me to a whole new expression. In Colorado I painted very organic shapes and now I found myself painting buildings. Who knew I would love it and appreciate my early instruction in perspective?! Visiting amazing museums and viewing masterpieces up close was a special treat that expanded my artistic vocabulary as well. Ah, the textures and colors in Van Gogh’s paintings are palpable.
Our move to Asheville, NC, adds a new dimension to my life. I relish in this fresh environment and look forward to the new spark in my creativity. I have joined the Asheville Plein Aire Painters and enjoy gathering with inspiring artists to paint. What wonderful landscapes and enchanting buildings I have found as well as painting with other creative and inspiring artists. I love the art scene here in Asheville, it is supportive, lively and great fun! Becoming a member of the Asheville Gallery of the Art has lead to increased exploration and joy in exhibiting my artwork in a supportive environment. I continue to connect with other artists at Plein Aire events as well as several galleries.
Family and Living
I grew up in a family who encouraged my artistic expression; my mom and grandmother enjoyed painting and my Aunt Val Van Rens was my mentor and a successful artist. Her bold and colorful approach to painting inspired me from a young age.
My husband and family have always been supportive. Our decision to live more simply allowed me to raise our three children as well as continue to work in my studio. And I found that “studio” to vary from our kitchen table to our backyard to a spot in the basement, to eventually, a room designed specifically as a studio. Today my enthusiasm is shared not only by my own children but also with our four granddaughters as we gather and create together. Our son, Jason is a working artist, visit his website www.jasonadamsstudio.com.
Showing my Artwork to Others
My paintings have been shown in one person shows, group exhibits, studio shows and various venues. I am especially proud of the recent commission by Auburn University of a special painting to thank their most generous donor. It was great fun seeing the painting on the Jumbotron at the AU homecoming game. Now THAT's a BIG painting! I had a one-person show at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts as well as The National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder. I exhibited my work at the American Women’s Club of Brussels as well as other venues in Belgium. Because of these opportunities my work is included in collections worldwide. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for color in workshops, recently in Costa Rica and in Asheville. My work is represented by The Asheville Gallery of Art, as well as Marquee and Re.Imagine. Of course, you can contact me directly & arrange to visit my studio!
Galleries:
Asheville Gallery of Art
82 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC
AshevilleGalleryofArt.com
Marquee
36 Foundy St, Asheville, NC
MarqueeAsheville.com
Re.Imagine
15 Spivey Dr, Fairview, NC
ReimagineFairview.com
Art Happenings:
B Adams: Colorful Adventures
Feature Artist
The Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC
June 2023
Group Show
Re.Imagine, 15 Spivey Lake Dr, Fairview, NC 28730
May 2023
Solo Exhibition
Haywood Family Practice of Canton
55 Buckeye Cove Rd, Suite 200A, Canton, NC 28716
June 2022-2023
Feature Artist
Atelier Maison
121 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC
June-July 2021
Seeing in Color: Life on the Bright Side
Feature Artist
The Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC
May 2021
The Laurel of Asheville
May 2021
https://thelaurelofasheville.com/arts/bee-adams-shows-color-and-positivity-at-asheville-gallery-of-art/
The Biltmore Beacon
May 2021
https://www.biltmorebeacon.com/living/playing-with-art/article_acb1e0f6-a929-11eb-9321-db8ab1a9dd95.html
Rapid River Magazine's Arts and Culture
May 2021
Rapid River Magazine
Cover and Feature Article
August 2020
Auburn University commission
Gift for Raymond J. Harbert, donor to AU
Fall, 2019
"Bright & Bold"
Solo Art Exhibit
The Spotlight Gallery at the Arts Depot 314 Depot Square, Abingdon, VA
April 10-June 1, 2019
"Bright & Bold"
Feature Artist
The Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC
July 2018
"Windows & Water"
One person show
Ananda Hair Studio, 22 Broadway, Asheville, NC
2018
Art in Bloom
Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, NC
2016 2017 2018 2019
Chiesa Italian Restaurant 152 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC
Solo Exhibition
2016-2018
Publications
https://thelaurelofasheville.com/arts/bee-adams-shows-color-and-positivity-at-asheville-gallery-of-art/