Carol is an oil painter of many years! Since her mother-in-law (an oil painter) introduced her to oil painting in 1966, she has been engrossed in learning from the masters. Vermeer, Rembrandt, Matisse, Degas, Monet, Pissaro and Renoir are some of her favorites. After copying them for years, she began experimenting on her own, but not until she began direct painting which is painting from nature in the outdoors.

Carol grew up with art and artists around her. Her paternal grandmother was a landscape artist. Her grandmother's cousin was an artist. Her maternal grandmother and mother were artists in designing clothes. Color was an exciting stimulant in her life. For instance, being taken to the yarn shops to choose the colors for her handmade sweaters. She was taught to knit and sew. Then craft kits became an art form; making place mats, printing cards, cutting her own blocks for printing, then making a silkscreen, painting on milk glass and cutting cathedral glass for stained glass art pieces.

It was in the 70's that she began figure and portrait classes. The first painting she sold was a religious figure. She painted 2 for two friends, then painted it a third time for herself. Enrollment in night art classes was part of her life while raising six children. Carol says, "It was a good choice to have 6 children. Now I have access to many people for practicing my craft of portait or the landscape and figure painting. With workshops and art classes every year, I have persued self-education enjoying every minute of it".

Joining Oil Painters of America, Portrait Society of America and Plein Air Painter of Oregon has opened up opportunities to meet other artists, participate in shows and exhibits.

"I taught myself oil painting by copying Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt and Fechin plus many others throughout the late 60's, 70's and early 80's while raising my family. My dream was to have a career in painting. It took 40 years to raise 6 children and I loved every minute of it. Now I have the rewards of having a wonderful supply of ready models for practice."

Portrait Society of America
Oil Painters of America
Plein Air Painters of Oregon
High Desert Society of the Arts
Arts Central
Northwest Pastel Society