As someone who walks the line between beach girl and city girl, Bethany Harper Williams finds joy in expressing both parts of herself through her work. 

"Lately, I’ve been drawn deeply into capturing the essence of the beach-the energy, the color, the quiet joy—and turning it into something that feels personal, familiar, and yet entirely open to interpretation," says Williams. "My beach scenes are rooted in the Maine landscape around me. I’m not trying to recreate an exact reality, but rather to evoke a fleeting memory or a mood."

Through bold brushstrokes, loose energy, and layers of vibrant color, she aims to spark recognition of warmth, of joy, of moments spent running into the ocean or basking in the sun.

"I’ve often said I want to 'capture the happy of the moment.' For me, that means painting in a way that evokes the collective nostalgia many of us share—sun-drenched days with friends and family, the sound of waves, the patterns of towels and umbrellas, and even the textures of the sand."

These shapes and patterns recur frequently in her work: polka dots, stripes, shimmering pools, and abstract forms that convey a certain whimsy.

"Each painting is a memory, not necessarily mine alone, but a shared emotion made visual," says Williams.  "I hope that viewers feel a personal connection when they look at my work, even if they can’t quite put their finger on it. That’s where the magic is."

Virtual Tour of All Available Work from Bethany Harper Williams

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