ARTIST’S STATEMENT

“The subject matter of my paintings comes from two main sources. Each day I see much of interest and beauty and I try to portray what I see and feel in my work. Occasionally something will come purely from my imagination that I feel a need to express.

In all cases, I use a strong sense of design and hard edges to abstract my subjects. I usually paint in a two-dimensional format using vivid colors to portray my feelings. My paintings are striking and frequently amusing. I would like my viewers to respond to the beauty I find in the world, sometimes with a smile.

I feel a strong response to the paintings of Arthur Dove and Paul Gauguin. The simplicity of shapes in Dove’s work is instinctively attractive to me. In my work I try to integrate this simplicity with a flat complex, vibrant style of Gauguin. For many tears I studied the culture and painting of Japan and I believe some of this influence is also evident in my work.

I experiment with many media, but the majority of my work is in watercolor. I feel this medium gives me the best means of achieving spectacular color combinations. My application of paint is usually with full intensity. This strength of color projects my feelings about the subjects. Only occasionally do I apply watercolor in a transparent manner. In my mixed media work I use pencil, crayon, printing inks, and collage, depending upon my vision for the painting.”

PROFILE

Carolyn received her education from San Diego State University, Claremont College, New York University, and Stanford University, (B.A.). She has taught, been a school administrator, consultant, and speaker on several campuses. Her artwork has won several awards and been shown in numerous juried competitions and galleries throughout the region.