Large Signed Oil Portrait Titled Betsy by Barbara Hunter Watt 1936

Not only is this portrait fabulous but it has an interesting history. Created in 1936 by Barbara Hunter Watt for her friend and fellow artist Pauline H. Shirer. It is a portrait of Pauline’s daughter Sarah Elizabeth (Shirer) Mac Neil at the age of 16. Barbara and Pauline both attended Vesper George School of Art in Boston and School of Fine and Applied Art in NYC (now Parson’s School of Design) together; and lived in Wellesley, Massachusetts during this time. This information is available to me as “Betsy” is the mother of my dear friend and resided here in Topeka, Kansas since a young girl. I’ve not found much information on Barbara outside of sales records for her work in 2015 which ranged from $300+ to $1722. These pieces were florals and landscapes that were much smaller in scale. This piece is large and a gorgeous unusual portrait. The soft blues and greens chosen by the artist are very pleasing to the eye and the style is more like a still-life than a portrait. Her sweet demure features and period dress with corsage make you fall in love with her and wonder just what she is thinking. Plus, I’m enchanted by the pink flamingos on the folding screen in the background which was painted by Pauline. “Betsy” would not have to be a family member for you to enjoy this piece hanging in your home. I’m sure you have fallen in love as I have. Make her yours!!!