Contrary to the widespread belief that artists, particularly painters, are driven primarily by the pursuit of fame and wealth, many find their deepest satisfaction in the act of creating and sustaining themselves through their art. Betts was one such artist who achieved this balance, finding ... success and sustenance through his craft. However, it was only much later in his career that the true importance of his contributions to the evolution of Australian painting was truly recognized.

In a catalogue introduction, Betts wrote:“I don’t paint the literal; I paint the memory or the feeling of the places I’ve visited and the things I have witnessed. The memories always remain with me.” This statement captures the essence of Betts' work, where he sought to convey not just the visual representation of a scene, but its emotional resonance and the lasting impressions it left upon him.

This perspective is shared by other artists, such as George Haynes, who reflected on the delayed popularity of his work. Like Betts, Haynes appreciated that the recognition came later in his career, as it afforded him the time and space to truly understand and develop his craft. The delayed acclaim allowed him to evolve as an artist, refining his style without the pressure of catering to trends or audience expectations. Betts too expressed a similar sentiment in his work. His artistic journey was not about chasing the approval of the masses, but about consistently challenging himself to deepen his understanding of painting and to refine his technique. His work never became stagnant or formulaic in order to appease a fickle market; instead, it was marked by a continuous evolution, driven by his own internal aspirations.