Beverly Myers

  • An image of Myers’ work hanging on display in a corridor.
  • An image of Myers’ work hanging on display in a corridor.
  • An image of Myers’ work hanging on display in a corridor.
  • An image of Myers’ work hanging on display in a corridor.
  • Here is what looks to me like a snowy winter scene. At night, the thick, fluffy snow flitters through the bare birch trees. The snow has already started to pile up on the ground, implying that it has been snowing for quite a while. Although the image feels cold, there is a certain warmth and nostalgia I feel to looking into a winter forest.
  • The grass is vibrant and colorful because I think it is late summer. It appears to be a bit past the afternoon. Two birch trees stand at the forefront of the piece. Something special to note about these trees is that pieces of them stick out from the canvas; the branches and the thick part of the log are tangible objects. A stick lays on the rightmost side of the piece.
  • This canvas is very abstract, with colors splashed all around; nonetheless, it resembles an autumnal scene for me. In the background are some lush trees and seem to be holding onto their green leaves with a death grip, it is almost time for the slightly dead greenery to turn brilliant oranges and yellows and fall onto the ground. In the foreground is a plethora of trees whose leaves have already fallen, which can be seen on the ground with the reds and oranges.
  • I see a mid-autumn scene. In this field, there are some trees whose purple bark has already shed their leaves, and some who adorn reds and oranges and browns. The ground is soft and looks like a blanket.
  • Here is an image of a house. Although it is not a house I’ve ever seen before, taking one look at it fills me with a rush of nostalgia. It is a white house with a steep roof and a few windows. It’s lined with neatly-trimmed bushes, a thin tree, and some flowering plants. The sun has started its process of setting, but that doesn’t diminish the lovely colors of the greenery. This scene takes place sometime in the spring, once the plants have really started to show themselves.

I am foremost a colorist. I love color and the relationship of one color to another. I am a very loose painter. People say they love my “style.” I call it “Tremor Style,” as I can’t paint tight and exacting because of essential tremor in my hands. I like to experiment and to try new things. I try to stop the painting before it’s finished and allow the viewer to ‘finish’ it—that’s the Beverly Myers style.

My creative ideas come from nature. Sometimes I start with a color, expressing myself, feeling my way, and not really knowing how it will end. As I move along, often changing direction, I let my body and my arms express the story. I try not to think too much or I will get too intellectual. My love of art history and music influences me. A good painting has the same elements as a good musical score: fast and slow rhythm; soft edges and hard staccato ones. I love the Dada and Surrealist movements of the early 20th century. Their many scars and their depression at World War I led them to imagine and to dream exciting new images. Jean Arp said he dreamed with his eyes open. Modern times are similar. The world is spinning crazily, and art, music, literature and poetry are changing constantly. We feel, express, dream and write of a better world.

My artistic goal is to be the best painter I can be, and to be known for being true to myself. I see the world in color; I dream in color and with my eyes open.

—Beverly Myers

Wheaton College, Class of 1952

Myers divides her time between Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts and South Florida. She is celebrating her 70th reunion this year, and we are thrilled to exhibit a selection of her paintings in honor of that achievement. 

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