Featured Artist Carol Nelson

Enjoy the vibrancy and masterful use of color in the paintings of Carol Nelson, whose abstracts are earth-inspired. See more by visiting her website.

 

 

My name is Carol Diane Nelson. I am an artist living in Colorado, USA.  I’m not a geologist, although geologic themes figure very prominently in my work.

 

 

In nature, specifically the rocks, cliffs, and canyons of the West, I find an endless palette of colors and patterns to inspire me as an artist.

 

 

I started my art career later in life. I began college as an art major, but my dad convinced me that I should major in something that would guarantee me employment upon graduation. That put my art on the back burner for about 35 years! Fortunately, that creative spark never faded completely.

 

 

A chance finding upon an art book—Maxine Masterfield’s Painting the Spirit of Nature—was all I needed to not just dabble, but plunge head first into the deep end of the art world.

 

 

I took workshops from well known artists, I experimented in watercolors, pastels, realistic oils, and finally discovered my niche—acrylics and mixed media.

 

 

As my painting experience grew, I drifted farther and farther from realism. I realized that colors, composition, and textures in abstract designs were what really captured and satisfied my creative drive.

 

 

Although I never thought of myself as a teacher, I found teaching other artists in my workshops to be very satisfying. Traveling around the United States for over 20 years, I have instructed many thousands of artists.

 

 

I also learned about the drudgery of being a professional artist. The traveling has become increasingly frustrating. I had to learn the business of being an artist—the websites, social media, marketing, how to photograph my work, etc. I even learned how to make and edit my own video workshops.

 

 

Artists want to paint, not do all that other stuff. I feel blessed to never be bored or have nothing to do. My studio always awaits, and the flame still flickers.

 

Carol Nelson invites you to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

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!