Artist’s Statement
I have always been fascinated by the way close contact with the natural world can have such a direct impact on improving our mindset. But what is it about a landscape or time spent with animals that speaks to us so directly?
I love to create paintings that invite you to focus on the very essence of an animal or bird, the ‘heart-beat’ that can talks to us and transports us to a better place. The purpose of my work is to capture the ‘soul’ of the living, breathing, natural world and bring it into our cities, offices, and homes, so that we can enjoy the benefit of being in harmony with nature every day of our lives.
My landscapes are less about the scenery and more about ‘the empty spaces’ the scenery contains. My paintings are created to provide room for our minds to wonder, for us to leave our troubles behind. I seek to capture that ‘elusive element’ of the natural world that lowers our heart rate and make us more at peace with ourselves.
Biography
Carol has been painting for more than 40 years.
She studied A Level Art at school and attended the Peter Birch School of Art before going on to study Veterinary Medicine at London University. Though her spare time was limited, Carol continued to draw and paint throughout her veterinary career. She is an active member of the Back Road Artists Group.
Having enjoyed a successful career in veterinary medicine, Carol has now ‘retired’ to pursue her lifelong interest in art full time. Her love of animals and the great outdoors is frequently reflected in her work.
This year (2023) Carol has won the Open Second Prize at the Goondiwindi Aspects of Art Show, and was selected as a finalist in the $20,000 Doyle’s Art Award and Brisbane's Lethbridge Gallery $20,000 Art Award.
She was selected as one of the 2023 curator's Pick for RME Downlands Exhibition
Influences
I am a largely self taught artist, but my training as a veterinarian taught me to be very observant. Animals cannot tell us what they are feeling or thinking, so we must understand them from the position of an ear or a glint in the eye. My deep understanding of anatomy and animal behaviour helps to bring my subjects to life.
Through out my life, I have loved the great outdoors and natural harmonies, and this is often reflected in my work.Awards
A Level Art Prize - Top Student
Aspects of Art Show - Open Second Prize
Doyles Art Award - Finalist
Lethridge Gallery 20000 - Online Finalist
Curator's pick - RME Downlands ExhibitionExhibitions
Wendland Toowoomba - Solo Exhibition -2023
Aspects Art Show - 2023
Doyle's Art Show - 2023
Lethbridge Gallery Brisbane - Online Exhibition - 2023
Deepwater Art Show - 2023
RME Downlands Exhibition - 2023
Warwick regional Art Gallery - 2023
The Art Space - Goondiwindi - 2023
Website
Showing all 3 artworks
Carol Barnwell
The Old Scrubber Bull
75 x 61 x 1 cm Framed: 80.5 x 65 x 3 cm Acrylic on Cotton Canvas $950.00
Carol Barnwell
Mint Choc Chip
61 x 45 x 3 cm Framed: 64 x 49 x 3.5 cm Acrylic on Cotton Canvas $880.00