Bette Lou Voorhis was a talented Texas artist who spent her life capturing the natural beauty of Texas landscapes through her paintings. She was born in 1915 in Houston, Texas, and grew up in a family that loved art. Her parents encouraged her to explore her talents, and as a result, she began painting at a young age.
As a student, Voorhis attended the Houston Museum of Fine Arts School of Art and later studied under renowned artist, Oskar Kokoschka, in Austria. Her travels throughout Europe and Central America in the 1930s and 40s dramatically influenced her style and subject matter.
Upon her return to Texas, Voorhis began painting local landscapes and wildflowers. She was particularly interested in the Texas Hill Country and spent many years capturing its unique beauty. Voorhis had a passion for preserving the natural landscape of Texas, and her paintings reflect this love and appreciation.
One of Voorhis’ most famous pieces is a portrait of Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady and passionate advocate for conservation. The painting was commissioned by the National Wildflower Research Center and currently hangs in the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.
Over the course of her career, Voorhis’s work was displayed in a variety of galleries and exhibitions, both in Texas and throughout the United States. In addition to her painting, she was also actively involved in the Texas art community, serving on the board of the Houston Artists Fund and the Texas Fine Arts Association.
Despite her success, Voorhis remained a modest and unassuming person, always quick to dismiss any accolades she received. She was committed to her craft, working diligently in her studio until her death in 2008 at the age of 93.
Today, Bette Lou Voorhis is remembered as one of Texas’ most talented and dedicated artists, a woman who was deeply connected to the natural landscape that inspired her work. Her paintings continue to inspire and captivate art lovers across the state and beyond, reminding us of the delicate balance between human progress and the need to preserve the beauty of the natural world.
In conclusion, Bette Lou Voorhis was a true Texas treasure, a talented artist who devoted her life to capturing the beauty of the natural landscapes that surrounded her. Her passion for painting and her deep love for the Texas Hill Country and its wildflowers will forever be remembered through her work, which continues to inspire and motivate artists and nature lovers alike. She was an important part of the Texas art community and her contributions will be appreciated for generations to come.
