Sylvia Carlton ~ Fine Artist ~ Plein Air Painter
Sylvia Carlton – Fine Artist – Bio – Artist Statement
WHY I PAINT – What makes me tick~
I would describe my work as Colorful Modern Impressionism. I tend to be an eclectic artist so the mood of the day inspires my style and the materials I use. I am fastidious about my color. Color represents that moment in time as light shines onto an object. I paint largely in oils and water based oils, though I also use acrylics, oil pastels, and watercolor. Most of the time I will start a painting on a brilliant background or even black.
I am an avid outdoor landscape and floral painter. I have loved flowers and gardens since I was little, a gift from my grandmother. My best memories of being a child were camping with my family and visiting the most beautiful places in the Western United States. Beaches, sunshine, fresh air and grand vistas continue to be my source of inspiration. For me there is nothing like getting outside and painting that gorgeous scenery. My experiences is what I work to capture on my canvas’s, those magical moments in time; gorgeous colors, silhouettes, natural wonders, flowers, lovely scents and the sound of birds. It is all these wonders I seek to share with others through my paintings. I would like you to experience these magical moments in time, and I hope they bring joy to you.
Teachers & Mentors~
I took courses locally at the BI Department of Parks and Recreation from instructor Eileen Nelson. I got hooked and started painting regularly. Then I studied under the Cape Cod School of Art led by Lois Griffel. The school was founded by Henry Hensche and subsequently passed on the techniques and philosophy of Monet and Charles Hawthorn to his students through Lois Griffel. I studied and received a Certificate of Art from Olympic College. I have also studied with other outstanding artists; Ned Mueller, Jane Wallis, Guido Frick, Ovanes Berberian, Susan Sarback, Camellie Przewodek, and Bill McEnroe. It is the miles on my brushes, which has been my greatest teacher and given me my own particular style.
PAWA~
I love to paint, En Plein Air, on location with natural light, in all kinds of weather – yes-even rain. The inspiration of the Plein Air style led me to painting landscapes and flowers as my main focus. Plein Air Painting is one of my favorite things to do outside listening to the birds.
To help give other artists this opportunity I founded Plein Air Washington Artists (PAWA). Plein Air Washington is the largest outdoor painting organization in the state of Washington and currently has over 200 members. We sponsor many paint-outs through the year, workshops and have a large juried show and book every year. The group is open to anyone who may want to paint with us En Plein Air.
www.pleinairwashingtonartists.com
Life Bio and Experience~
I was born in Berkeley CA. It was a warm and romantic time in CA filled with beautiful scenery, the space age, coming modernism, and lots of laughter with my family. I wanted to be an artist sense before I was 12. That year I had hoped to get a book on art for Christmas. I was so excited. The treasured gift turned out to be a dictionary and so my life was focused on academics. Fortunately my family had a fondness for the great outdoors and because of this we traveled and camped every summer both at Pacific beaches and all over the state, national parks and in the then ‘wild’ west. I loved this family time, these adventures. My inspiration grew for the beautiful landscape and physical world around me.
I was a natural fit for studying Ornamental Horticulture, Floriculture and Landscape design. After finishing school I worked in the nursery business, did landscape design, and eventually owned my own small garden center called Sunshine Plant shop.
In my late twenties I moved to Pacific North West, continued my career in the horticulture field. I got married, had a child, and gardened for others, and myself and have lived here in wonderful fresh air for over 35 years.
One day I decided to start painting, I had wanted to paint for 30 years. So I purchased 4 tubes of color: blue, red, yellow, and white. I started painting. My love of painting was released. A golden thread through my life tied together my long love of the outdoors with my life as an artist. It started with my childhood art, gardening and flowers to studying horticulture and landscape design. This design focus satisfied my internal desire to paint. As I painted and studied art I fell in love with painting outside.
For years, I have been selling my artwork out of my home studio and through the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour. Previously Blue Water Artworks carried my work and I have sold paintings through Gallery North in Edmonds.
For eight years I have been teaching oil and acrylic painting for the BI Department of Parks and Recreation. I also teach out of my home studio.
I was honored to have my work displayed during the grand opening show of the new Bainbridge Island Art Museum
People often tell me they love my beautiful color and design work. I recently received a message from someone attending one of my shows, “The show at Blackbird tonight was the best thing in Winslow. I paint flowers a lot. Yours were knockouts. Best of luck…” and ”Sylvia sees through my eyes and paints what I am looking for,” K. Dave Kragen. These comments make me delighted, & painting so worthwhile.
---------NOT THE END----------
I will paint any flower, special bouquet, or wedding bouquet just for you.
Just email and ask ~ [email protected] ~
For canvas prints, prints, and cards, go to> fineartamerica.com
