Coizie Bettinger ’69 has moved from proteins and parasites to picturesque pastels. Bettinger, a double biology and chemistry major, said she always had an interest in art throughout her childhood and college career.  “My dad majored in art and taught at the high school and college level.  We used to paint watercolors together,” she said.
When she started at SLU, she did not have much time for electives thanks to a heavy load of science requirements. She took art and music courses when she could.  “I wish now I had recognized my love of art more, but I have no regrets about the directions my life took,” Bettinger said.

“I remember doing an oil painting at SLU in the spring and trying to capture the growing, glowing green as it budded and emerged around me,” Bettinger said.  “Later, I painted some, fitting it in around raising children and work.”

Bettinger has now dedicated her life to painting.  When she moved to Washington state 11 years ago she had time to experiment.  “I discovered pastels and my life changed,” she said. “Pastels are a medium that invigorates me by the colors, the immediacy and tactile qualities, the boldness and quickness,” Bettinger said.  “I joined an art group so that I could exhibit and it has grown from there.”

Bettinger currently exhibits at galleries between Seattle and Vancouver, BC.  She said she likes to share her love and joy of the natural world with her other people.

“I paint because I fill up with the beauty of the world and want to share it,” Bettinger said.  “Ordinary fields, bits of water, trees seem extraordinary to me and I want others to glimpse that, too.  I hope to impart hope and color to the viewer's world.”

Bettinger’s work and more information about her can be found at www.coiziebettinger.com.