Meet Carol & Visit Her Studio

Hello & Welcome

Artist Statement:

Have you ever engaged in a conversation with one of those pesky 5-year olds who never stops asking “Why?” or “How?” They buzz like a persistent bee. I was one of those kids and I also had the uncanny ability to never miss anything visually. For example, if a family member moved or added something, I noticed or I would make seemingly odd observations about the world around me soliciting raised eyebrows. This curiosity is a treasure I carry with me today and into my paintings.

My current body of work asks questions. Entitled “Windows within a Window,” these paintings welcome you to different times and places – often to a space that is generally not recognizable yet accessible but is my unique perspective. The interplay of reality and fantasy, color and depth, shapes and texture creates what I call a “harmonic mystery.”

Windows ask questions. Their views offer possibilities inspiring multiple interpretations. Perhaps you will go beyond the surface to reveal something far deeper. Some people start telling me wonderful stories that come to mind, some cry, and others stand quietly and ponder. Any reaction is welcomed.

My Artistic Process:

People often ask, “What inspires you?” The answer varies from painting to painting. Sometimes I see a window-like shape – such as the configuration of pinion tree branches – that I want to interpret and then I begin imagining what might interact well with it. Sometimes it can be an object – such as a wine glass or a chess piece – and I experiment with the environment and fantasy I want to create fusing abstraction with realism. o

For every artwork, I determine the color chord before I begin painting. Much like a musician, I want my colors to play in tune within the same key. In addition, I gesso every panel or canvas with at least 3 layers using a large 8” palette knife; this is to create a subtle and organic texture underneath the entire painting and eliminates the mechanical pattern of canvas. This also adds to the sense of depth.

I work in oils and my favorite tool is the palette knife. My application is atypical, in that I apply very thin layers with the knife, often lightly scraping across the surface to create interesting and somewhat mysterious textures. Throughout the painting process, I go back and forth between my palette knives and brushes, using what seems appropriate at the time. Surprises often occur, which I always enjoy.

A Brief Color Story: When I was in kindergarten, I was asked to state my two favorite colors. I eagerly responded with, “Orange and red.” My mother reports that I arrived home very upset because the teacher said that orange and red don’t go together and that my choices were wrong. Apparently, even at that age I knew they were analogous colors!

Carol’s Artist Story:

“I love your colors!” is an exclamation Carol frequently hears when people look at her paintings. Her artistic journey with color began early during her art career when she solicited feedback about her use of color from a well-known artist. He stated, “You already know color.” Unsatisfied with this response, McIntyre pursued an intensive color course at the University of Minnesota to assist her in becoming consciously aware of how to mix and use color.

At 36, Carol unlocked the artistic vault that had been sealed for over 15 years, she traded her blue suits of corporate life in for an artist’s smock shortly after her late mother-in-law introduced her to watercolors. Taking advantage of the fine art education opportunities throughout the Twin Cities (MN), the local Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and workshops instructed by nationally know artists, McIntyre fine tuned her painting skills. After further study with internationally known artist Susan Sarback – founder of the School of Light & Color and author of Radiant Color – Carol began teaching her beloved subject – color. With her background as an instructional designer, she has developed color classes that allow students to easily grasp the complexities of mixing and using color.

Here I am with my best buddy, Kyla

Within a few years of painting, the state-wide watercolor society captured her heart, leading her to serve as the President of the Minnesota Watercolor Society for two years. In 2004, McIntyre founded and curated the “Celebrate 22 Miles!” exhibition held at The Edina Art Center; this exhibition celebrated the significance of Minnehaha Creek which runs through the Twin Cites, flowing over the famous Minnehaha Falls and into the Mississippi River.

After 15 years of working in watercolor and achieving signature status with the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Carol began working in pastels and then, in oils. She holds juried associate memberships of The Pastel Society of America and the Oil Painters of America, and was the cover artist of “Watercolor Magazine.”

Along with Carol’s sense of humor, compassion and excellent communication skills, she inspires other artists to pursue their artistic passions to their fullest. She loves seeing ‘light bulbs’ illuminate and hearing, “This is fun!” during her classes.

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Below are photographs of my studio as featured in Art Calendar, March, 2007, a national art magazine. You are welcome to visit! Call 719-510-0006 (MDT) for an appointment. I am located 20 miles north of Colorado Springs, CO.