Featured Artist Ian Carter

Artist Ian Carter shares a colorful and uplifting portfolio of landscape and abstract paintings in his distinctive signature style. Visit his website to see more of his work.

 

 

As a contemporary watercolour and acrylic mixed media painter, my work is a conscious play of mood, light and colour. But as a naturalist raised and rooted in the diverse landscape abstracts of Scotland, Mexico and British Columbia, a painting means more than that to me.

 

 

Each location is an encounter with the land, the trees and water that have always given me a sense of connection and order. When a location intrigues and inspires me, I will paint the scene into a series using a range of themes. I experiment and search to learn more about the natural threads that tie the painting together with colour, composition, complexity, subtlety, feeling and balance.

 

 

I look for new ways to express spatial relationships and distance with layers of paint, brushwork, gradations, collage and diffusions of light and shadow. I strive for understanding in my study of the landscape in both abstract and representational paintings. This brings me closer to an intriguing translation as I place concept, colour and value into new compositions. They communicate the emotional connection I feel with my public and environment.

 

 

In the tradition of the Impressionists, I mostly paint my watercolour paintings of landscapes en plein air. My paintings focus on light and shadow, filtering through the trees in the landscapes on the West Coast of British Columbia, Oregon and Vancouver Island.

 

 

I like to create an idea of the moment when I find myself immersed in seeing the landscape unfold, as though I was seeing it for the first time. The whole process of perception allows a stronger focus on what I see in the landscape. Thus, the formation of this vision provides me with a structure to explore the properties of aquamedia, composition, transparency and juxtaposition of colours. My landscapes are colourful and distinct.

 

 

I particularly enjoy en plein air painting; especially where it is possible to experience the weather, light, colour and the big and little people who are curious about what I am doing.

 

 

I’m inspired by what I see and perceive. Most of my watercolour paintings are begun en plein air and completed in my studio. I paint representational work in watercolours and abstract works in acrylic (sometimes mixed media). I belong to two art groups. One is en plein air and the other in studio. I gain a lot of inspiration from these artists, and enjoy visiting art galleries, workshops and artists’ studios.

 

 

Born in England, I am married with three children and three grandchildren. My background is in architecture. Solo Shows include San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Studio 13 Fine Art, Vancouver, BC; Meme Brooks Design Studio, Vancouver BC; Visual Space Gallery, Vancouver BC; Pacific Arts Market, Vancouver BC (where I have my STUDIO5). The Niche Gallery, Vancouver BC. My paintings have been bought by admirers from the USA, Mexico, the UK, and Canada, including six commissions.

 

 

My goal is to learn from other artists, explore different methods of painting and to find ways to improve my work.

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!