Meet Carol Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Carter.

Hi Carol, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always wanted to be an artist. I trained as an artist in college and later in graduate school at Washington University. I began painting in earnest after my MFA. I also worked in a local gallery which helped me understand the business side of art. Eventually, BZ Wagman Gallery began representing my work. For 15 years, I had local representation in St. Louis at several galleries.

In 1997 – I decided to self-represent my work and launched a website: www.carol-carter.com. With this website I raised the profile of my art and career regionally, then nationally and internationally. I then began exhibiting internationally. My reputation gained a following online which helped to establish a solid career. I also began a career in teaching watercolor. I have taught nationally and internationally for 25 years – teaching in workshops across the nation and internationally. Today I am very grateful to be a working, professional artist with a studio in Tower Grove East neighborhood. My studio have been there 19 years.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road to being an artist. There were many pitfalls and occasional barriers. At times I wanted to quit. Two recessions are hard for artists to survive, as well as the recent pandemic.

I am thoughtful about finances though – and manage to find a way to survive the downturns. Teaching watercolor workshops has helped keep the revenue consistent. I also taught at Maryville University during the 2009-2011 recession.

Many struggles help me to stay devoted and stronger to maintaining my career as a painter.

I am grateful for the roadblocks– they toughen but do not defeat.

I have learned different strategies to marketing which helps when times are difficult.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a painter. I built my career on acrylic painting for 30 years. I developed a body of work which is figurative, narrative, autobiographic, and environmental.

In 2012, I switched to painting watercolor exclusively. I like watercolor because it is delicate, soft, organic, yet powerful. It is challenging to control and has the capacity to make an impact.

I work in figurative and narrative subjects but also paint endangered animals, landscapes, sky scapes, as well as psychological subjects.

One of my favorite works is a collection of paintings that cover a vast timeline. I am painting a portrait each year of my son– Evan– from birth to now. He is 35 years old. The series called “Growth Portraits” will continue indefinitely. The timeline of paintings (all the same size 30 x 40 inches and format) is quite extensive and broad. It documents a child growing up as well as the change and development of my art. It is the most important painting I have done. (in my opinion)

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Paint every day — six days a week if possible.

Allow for marketing your work 20% of your time in studio.

Take business classes in college — accounting, marketing, to help manage your career.

Take photoshop and digital marketing courses.

Do not think someone else will “make” your career. You are your strongest advocate for your growth in your career and art.

Pricing:

• $200- $5000

Contact Info:

• Email: carolcarter@gmail.com
• Website: www.carol-carter.com
• Instagram: _carol carter_
• Facebook: Carol Carter
• Twitter: Carol Carter
• Youtube: Carol carter

Image Credits
Stan Strembicki (portrait only) I took the photos of my art