Carol Ann Barrett, Lagrangeville
Member Since November 2008
Artist Statement About Me
My Artist Statement
I live on several acres of forest in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley. My private studio is surrounded by maple, oak, and pine. In the winter I can watch the sunset beyond the bare tree's. I am a prolific studio and
plein air painter, photographer, and watercolorist.
I am also a mom, wife......... let's face it; when I'm doing something other than art I "don my matron's cap"!
As a student I earned an AA Degree in Humanities at Dutchess Community College. I was forever in the pottery studio throwing pots. From there I continued my studies in computer aided graphic design at SUNY NewPaltz. My love for painting led me to earn a BA Degree in studio art; painting at Western CT State University. I immersed myself in art history, figure drawing and watercolor science in classes taught by
Artisan / Instructor; Polonia Nixon.
I build my paintings. I study every subject like I would the human figure. Seeing the subject as mass and form and making connections is important to me. I like my paintings to be logical, even the very modern ones. I am attracted to forms with dynamic shape and contours. I focus on the light and it's path. I paint what I like. I like paintings that are interesting. And I focus on subjects that I will enjoy painting and photographing for a long time.
I admire many artists and writers, especially those who blend a readability into their work. By readability I mean an understanding and logic. It is difficult for me to explain even when I do it, but I know it when I see it. Sometimes when I paint my brush strokes are an extension of my arm and what my eye and brain tell it to do. I enter a zone and become very absorbed with filling the canvas as an impressionist would. Buddhism relates it to what happens when our concept and perception intertwine and then we realize something. Another way to put it is the mind makes a promise that the body has no choice but to fulfill; sometimes the body cannot.
There is more to painting than meets the eye.
I enjoy painting in mountainous regions and coastal areas. My love for painting and photography has led me to the California Coast; especially the Dunes. I have also traveled to Arizona across the desert to the Vermillion Hills in Page and the Grand Canyon. And are drawn to the Banyon Trees along the coast of Florida.
In June 2008 I ventured to New Mexico to share in an extraordinary plein air painting adventure with several talented artists from New York City, on a journey to Paint Taos; guided by Instructors: Shelli Ardizonne and Carol Douglas. I haven't a southwest palette yet, but I intend to return to the
Land of Enchantment again and again until I am successful.
I have participated in many art shows locally and on the east and west coast, including The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery; the most beautiful gallery in the Chelsea Art District of New York City and the very modern and contemporary Infusion Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles, California.
Socially, I am a participating member of several art organizations that support local artists, including; The Garrison Art Center in Garrison, NY and NYHVPAP ( New York Hudson Valley Plein Air Painters)
I can also be found surfing the net, blogging, joining webrings, updating my homepage and .........
Alas; website work is never done.
Cheers..
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