Carol Meredith
How long have you been painting?
I have had a life long affection for all things creative. My father was an excellent oil painter in his retirement and he provided lots of inspiration and encouragement. I started ‘seriously’ taking painting lessons after a chance conversation, about 6 years ago, with artist Barbara McKnight. As she painted in Bayfield at the Sail and Canvas Festival, she shared her own artistic journey with me and I jumped in. I started taking classes with Cheryl O about 5 years ago.
What type of paint do you like to work in?
I have tried various media but always come back to my favourite … watercolours! I love the challenge of a media that offers such a narrow opportunity for correction but promises such lovely reward it you ‘think it through’. Also I love the magical things that happen when beautiful colours are dropped onto wet paper.
What inspires you to be creative?
Whether it is watching a painting demonstration or just admiring the work of others, I find I can’t wait to get my brushes out and begin!
How does painting affect your life?
Author Martha Beck wrote about creativity and compared it to yoga. She said yoga makes your body flexible and responsive so it can adapt to any stress. Painting is the psychological equivalent for the soul … painting stretches and strengthens! I love that hours can pass when you are painting and it feels like mere minutes. Another lovely benefit is that you meet the most delightful and interesting people in classes and art groups. (Gallery Painting Group, and Brush & Palette Club.) After a week together this summer at Cheryl’s Wet & Wild Class, four of us continue to get together for lunch and to art talk.
Carol can be contacted at: [email protected]
Paintings by Carol Meredith
