Today we are talking with Carol Atkins about her beautiful art. From the moment I saw Carol’s art work I fell I love with the gorgeous colours and fluent shapes. They are a wonderful reflection of the lifestyle of the North Coast and wonderful for adding that holiday feeling to your home.
Can you tell me what inspired you to become an artist?
I have always been creative. I studied art at high school, but I really started exploring my creative abilities after I had my children. With my kids I used to play with colour paints and draw pictures which I would make into little stories for them.
I moved to Byron Shire in 2004 with my husband and two children and being out of the city and in a semi tropical environment did wonders for my creative side. I did a couple of art workshops and started to enter art competitions and sold artworks. At the time I was also doing a local market selling other products I made and decided just by chance to take a couple of my paintings that sold. I remember that day where something in me changed as I constantly received lovely comments and enquiries about my work. Accolades dissolved the fear and led me to play and just go with it; more paintings sold and I also started to receive commissions.
How long have you been painting for?
I have been painting off since high school, but taking my art to another level and putting it out there to sell, 5 years ago. Attended several art workshops back then and had no idea I would be selling or wining an art award.
What medium do you like to use?
I love working with acrylic paints with lots of colour pigment. Currently I’m experimenting with texture and I use my fingers frequently. I love metallic paint, anything that produces a shimmer and sparkle and captures the light.
Where do you draw your inspiration for what you are painting?
I love the local tropical colours and the colours of the ocean. Living in this area gives me a wide palate of colour and scenery to draw from. I love birds and they often feature in my artwork.
Can you tell us about your latest collection?
I have a series of stylised fig trees in a Gallery in Noosa and the next series is titled ‘Water Light’ in production inspired by the sea, ripples, surf, light and tranquillity.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out?
Play and try doing a few workshops to find your medium and open you up to different techniques, colours and blending. I would paint only to turn it upside down and see the finished painting. Don’t get caught up in your mind it’s an intuitive process of discovery.
What’s next for you?
Lots more painting, some big abstracts and I have an exhibition at Dbar Gallery, Gold Coast midyear which I am looking forward to. My day coffee, paint, eat, sleep and repeat. I am doing what I really enjoy my creative expression. I would also love to try some of my artwork on materials, maybe cushions and scarfs.
So if you would love to add a painting from Carols collection, visit her @ http://on.fb.me/1KvHiqb