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.