Carolyn Peterson

Artist Statement

For as long as I can remember making art has been a necessary part of my life. It's not always relaxing and at times it can be stressful, but it maintains me and keeps me in balance.
After years of experimenting with a variety of media I found that watercolor was my true love. I love the fluidity, the fact that it can be unpredictable and offered a constant challenge. I'm fascinated with experimenting of finding new ways to applying color for stronger and bolder effects and contrasts define my chosen subject matter. I also enjoy new ways of seeing my selected subject matter whether it be a still life, a landscape, a floral, air a human or animal figure. I try approaching each new piece in a new way. That's exciting as I don't have a "go to" style. I can paint a piece very realistically and the next can be very abstract. or a mix of both. I been told on many occasions that one never knows what I will show up when I enter a show. That's the fine part of watercolor for me. It never gets stale.
As for influences on my style of work I would have to include the English and Oriental schools of watercolors. Many artists of the past and present also influence on the composition and composition of shapes and forms in my paintings.
.