Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his picture.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
May you find this journey a simple, visual feast and a glimpse into my creative and vibrant soul. Art is a life-long passion, which I have now transformed into a full time career. It is my hope that my life and prior career experiences in the medical, business, development, maritime and art fields add richness and complexity to my artistic representation of each subject matter I paint.
Inspired by nature, animals, architecture, and above all the human connection, I aspire to capture the essence and freshness of my broad subject range using pleasing design, broad strokes, lively color and vibration of light and shadows. When painting landscapes on location (Plein Air) I must be well-organized, quick and decisive to capture the essence before the light changes!
Understanding anatomy and mass is critical for painting animal portraits and human portraits. I strive to evoke the particular attitude and soul of the being through the eyes. Dog portraits require compassionate understanding, allowing me to see the dog through the owners eyes. For maritime pieces, when painting a sailing vessel, I pay strict and thoughtful attention to the detailed rigging, sails, and direction of the wind, so that I may depict the conditions accurately for a discriminating sailor’s eye. Architectural paintings require the same discernment, especially when commissioned for a house portrait.
Fulfilling a dream of being a successful artist is very exciting and I truly hope that you feel my exuberance and capture my enthusiasm in the pages of my new career. Please join my mailing list and let me know how I can improve ! I look forward to hearing from you.
About
Carol McClees is a full-time artist inspired by the work of traditional painters such as, John Singer Sargent, Montague Dawson, Thomas Hoyne, Emile Gruppe’ and Rosa Bonheur. A lifelong painter and student, she believes that one can never stop learning to become a better painter, thus she continues to participate in numerous workshops. She has studied with David Leffel, Kenn Backhaus, Matt Smith, and Jeff Legg, to name a few. Carol recently attended the ASMA first and second National Conferences ( Williamsburg and Mystic) and the Plein Air Painters of America National Conference (Atlanta).
Whether painting a maritime landscape, a beloved animal, or architectural delight, Carol’s goal is to find the dramatic convergence between colorful lights and darks in conjunction with the textural qualities of the subject matter. When accomplished, she believes that artistic tension is at its best, leaving the viewer to complete the story.
Prior to becoming a full time artist, for many years she utilized her marketing and nursing education to the fullest. ( MBA, AB, RN) Carol has had the privilege of being a Maritime Curator, Development Officer, Managing Director of and Art Gallery, Activation Analyst, Project Manager, and Consultant. A life-long volunteer, Carol has served on numerous boards. Her interests include: tennis, needlepoint, making Nantucket baskets, and sailing around the Chesapeake with her skipper Jock aboard her Call 36 sloop “ Skean Dhu”.
Selected juried shows she has participated in include:Fall 2017 Lyme Art Association ASMA Invitational Show. Spring 2017 Finalist NOAPS Spring International On-Line Exhibit, ASMA Coos Art Museum annual show, ASMA East Regional Show Blue Water/Still Water, 82nd and 83rd MPSGS International Art exhibit in Miniature, 24th and 25th Seaside Art Gallery International Miniature Show. Her work is part of many private collections throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England.
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Quality Guarantee:
I use professional grade oil and watercolor paints as well as high quality boards and canvasses. Each painting is varnished before completion.
