Getting Ready- Schmidt Center for Art

I have been invited to show my GROWTH PORTRAIT series at the Who's Looking at You: Contemporary Portraits at the Schmidt Center for Art at the Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL.

The show opens on January 21, 2010.

I have to deliver the 23 portraits of my son Evan next Tuesday.

I thought today would be a good day to clean up the portraits to get them ready.

It took all day -- and gave me time to reflect and reconsider each and every portrait! My how time flies when you watch a child grow!

So.. here is a photo of my studio- scattered with 30 x 40 portraits that will be stacked and packaged for delivery on Tuesday

Growth Portraits
watercolor
30" h x 40" w
1986-2009
24 portraits
collection Evan Carter Clark

Two New/One Finished- Acrylics

I have had no time in the studio this week -- as I am moving my house from one neighborhood to another. At times it's overwhelming -- but I am almost done!

I will probably be totally moved just in time to return back to teaching this semester~

Anyway, here are two paintings that I've started. They are in the first state -- so you can see preliminary sketch.

The last one- the newspaper stand -- is completely done. I added some small red particles to finish off a shadow- which totally pops and vibrates. I am happy.

So.. my blog friends... I will take another break from studio work and settle in my new home. I will return to the studio when the dust settles!

Thanks to everyone who have helped me move. I appreciate your help! An especially big "thank you" to Evan :-))..

Italy 38, 39
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2009
unfinished

Italy 37
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2009

email for purchase

Happy Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all who read this blog!

My Christmas Eve day included a visit by a very dear customer -- who stopped by the studio to pick up paintings. He was thrilled, and it brought me a lot of joy to see his enthusiasm.

Thank you Michael!


I feel so blessed to be an artist -- and to be sharing my work with the world -- both in creating, teaching, and on this blog.

May your day today be filled with all the warmth of family, friends, compassion, and joy.

Each Christmas is special -- and each new year is a new beginning!

Merry Christmas to all!

Warmly,

Carol

Getting Closer

I had a bit of time to work on the piece after all. I fleshed out some of the foreground - making it deeper and a little textural. I also tried to bring out some detail in the newspaper stand. The cast shadow and light in the background were also accentuated.

I also made the glow a bit more pronounced. I want it to be very bright.

I'm still not quite sure of this piece-- but I'll leave it alone now. I've already started the next piece-- so the pull to work on this has lessened.

For me... the fun is in the beginning to middle part of the painting -- the last 1/3 of it is always the hardest!


Italy 38
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2009

Acrylics- done and almost done

I am happy with the resolution of the first painting-- I finished it yesterday in the studio. Most of the finishes were done on the nuance of the angel in the foreground. The rest of the painting has texture and weight that I like.

The bottom painting is in mid state. It deviated from my original vision of subject -- late night newspaper stand. So, it's best to leave it alone for a while and move on to another painting.

I will revisit it when I have more objectivity and distance -- and a bit of courage in reclaiming my painting!

Some times when frustration level gets too high on a piece-- it's not good to continue thrashing things out. I find it helpful to step aside.... get new clarity with other work .. and possibly move back to the painting later.

How do you handle frustration in the studio?


Florence Angel
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2009

Night in Florence
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2009
unfinished

More and more Italy!!!

I have mostly completed two paintings this week--- and here they are. It's been a fruitful week.. and I've enjoyed the challenge in the studio.

There's still more to be done on these pieces -- but I wanted to share them now at these stages.

The show is going to be put on hold for a while... while I get down to the bigger business of moving my home. So, look for some pieces after the first of the year~

Italy 34 and 35
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2009
unfinished

another happy customer!

I delivered the large diptych watercolor yesterday-- to a client. It looked spectacular in it's new frame... all shiny and bright!

I hadn't seen it framed...as the packing for transportation had to stay on until delivery.

What a great thrill to see it in presentation form!

They also purchased 3 small figurative swimmers -- which were already hanging in the stairwell.

That makes for about 10 paintings of mine that they've collected.


Florida Corkscrew Swamp
watercolor
48" h x 68" w
2009

Figurative Swimmers
watercolor
20" h x 14" w
2008

Happy Cows!

Another happy client....
today.. another client stopped by to pick up the 3 paintings he bought. The cows were small... but perfect as a trio for him.

Thank you so much for supporting my work!


Cows Triptych
acrylic
11" h x 14" w
2008

Art Print

This swimmer painting is available as museum quality, fine art limited edition by Bullivant Gallery, publisher of fine art. Utilizing their proprietary Esatezza Arte printing method, my edition print is strikingly accurate to the original. It is created with only finest archival cotton rag paper and fully pigmented inks. Bullivant Gallery has been producing edition for artists for more than ten years, working with renowned museums, galleries, and collectors across the globe.


Prism Swim
giclee
20" h x 20" w
2008
$250.

Katanaville.com

this is a wonderful link to an overview of my studio and work! check it out~

thank you KATANA for including me in your blog.

http://katanaville.com/2009/12/whats-behind-carol-carters-watercolours/

Italy Again!

I am posting work as they are completed -- so that everyone can see how the show is developing.

I have had a lot of response ... and am happy that it is well received.

Some paintings have already sold...but all are being exhibited together.

I am enjoying the difference in imagery, color, and subject matter. I think I've thought so long about what Italy might look like in my imagination... now that I'm able to produce these paintings from my trip ... it is rewarding to produce and bring to fruition.

Enjoy.

Italy 28,29
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2009

More Italy

Having found some time today -- to sneak to the studio and work on two previous paintings -- as well as begin another.... here are three images to illustrate more of the LITTLE ITALY exhibition.

The first two aren't finished yet -- the third is done.

I received another 20 canvas' to work on today -- so there will be lots of opportunity for painting.

I am liking the new direction. It's getting richer and edgier.

I am looking down the road to a March opening..and will post those details here.

Paint on!

Italy 22, 23,23

10"h x 36" w
acrylic
2009
just beginning

12" h x 12" w
2009
half finished

12" h x 12"w
2009
finished

New Italy!! Acrylic Paintings

More new paintings from Italy .... I am gearing up to do the middle to last legs of this show in the upcoming month.

The show is up to 17 finished paintings... and I am adding another 20 before it's complete.

I've sold 4 -- and have interest in a few others.

I'm jazzed about this work... and can't wait to show them in the late spring!

I will keep posting work here.... as it develops and changes.


Italy 18, 19, 20
acrylic
10"h x 36" w $775
12" h x 12" w 475
2009
email for purchase

Maryville University WATERCOLOR!! !

Yesterday was the close of the two classes for watercolor and painting at MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY. The students were great!! lively and energized -- with good ideas and willing to learn.

I had a wonderful time working with ALL of them... and I wish them well on their journey of watercolor.

You guys ROCK!