Introducing the art of Carol McIntyre (Interview)

CAROL MCINTYRE

DESTIG TORONTO - ART | DESIGN | TRAVEL - ISSUE 09 / JANUARY 2021

BEST OF 2020 | TODAY'S GREAT CANADIAN ARTISTS | SPECIAL ART FEATURES | HOT PICKS

"HOW MARVELOUS THAT THEY BROUGHT FORTH SUCH MAGNIFICIENCE FROM THEIR BRUSHES AND CHISELS." - ANONYMOUS

"Throughout my painting career, regardless of the medium or style, I have had three overriding intentions with my work. They are to create color harmony, mystery, and depth. The latter invites the viewer in, sparking their imagination, memories and encouraging them to ask questions about themselves or the artist."

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At age 36, Carol McIntyre gave up a secure corporate

When did you first know that you wanted to become an

paycheck for an uncertain art career. She was born

artist?

in Iowa, grew up in Philadelphia, worked in

Let me start answering this question with the time when I

Minneapolis, and now resides in Colorado to be

stopped making art. I was a sophomore in college majoring

closer to her cherished cabin. Her award-winning

in art when I ‘woke-up’ one day asking myself, “How am I

paintings have earned her a signature membership in

going to make a living as an artist?” Unfortunately, I had

the

an

no one to turn to. I concluded that my only options were

associate membership in the Oil Painters of America.

to teach elementary school art or be crazy like van Gogh.

Early in her career, McIntyre served as the president

Consequently, I switched my major to educational

of the Minnesota Watercolor Society and juried

psychology and went on to be a school psychologist,

several shows.

followed by a position as a corporate trainer. Oh, how I

Transparent

Watercolor

Society

and

wish I had known about museum curating or art Her recent book “I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the

restoration. Between the ages of 21 and 36, I did not

Colors You Want!”, her teaching, and blog have

touch any art making materials because it was too painful.

impacted thousands of painters by unleashing their

However, at age 32, I married into a musical and artistic

creative spirits.

family which markedly altered my life. My quiet, beloved

mother-in-law learned about my closeted

asked a reputable art instructor to review

talents and desires, so she started

several paintings with the intent of giving

nudging me toward art making. She sent

guidance on my use of color. He stated,

me books, colored pencils, paper, etc. One

“You already know.” I was dumbstruck

fateful cold January day, while visiting my

because I knew this was not true.

in-laws, she sent me down to her

"I believe learning about color, particularly mixing color, is like riding a bike. You must learn the skills, and then, with practice, you can proclaim, “Look mom, no hands!”

basement studio with a few watercolors

This

and instructions. Soon I was a duck

instruction (before the internet, CD’s,

swimming in water! Arriving upstairs with

etc.) Though I was living in an arts

my first watercolor and hearing their

oriented metropolitan city, the only class I

proclamations was a cherished moment.

could find was in a university’s graphic

They immediately bought me my first set

arts

of paints, brushes, and paper. Since then, I

professor to let me enroll. This is one of

have never looked back. The sealed door

my best career decisions. It jump-started

to

my concentrated study of color along

self-expression

had

finally

been

cracked open.

sent

me

searching

department.

I

for

convinced

color

the

with my collection of over 30+ books and CD’s on color, all the while gaining my

You wrote the multi-award-winning

color confidence.

book: "I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want!" How did you realise

During this time, I learned, with dismay,

there was a need for this guidance?

that most of my fellow painters were not

About 2 years into learning watercolors, I

interested in learning about the how’s and

and why’s of color. They bought into the myth that color is intuitive. I believe learning about color, particularly mixing color, is like riding a bike. You must learn the skills, and then, with practice, you can proclaim, “Look mom, no hands!”

As I observed other painters’ frustration, I decided to develop and teach my color mixing methodology. It’s a step-by-step process of strategically choosing the six primary colors you need to mix the colors you want. I taught workshops, began a blog, was hired to create a video online course, and demonstrated at art societies. There isn’t anything much more satisfying than watching light bulbs go off in student’s eyes and minds.

Color is considered, by many, to be the first aspect of a painting that a viewer notices. It’s complex, magical and one of the most difficult art elements to learn. I wanted, and still do, to help artists achieve that first stage of gaining color confidence, that of learning how to mix color.

This unleashes creative expression and opens the door to tackling the next stage, which is learning how to apply color. Too many creatives stop making art because of the frustration they experience with mixing color. They end up mixing mud and they don’t know how it happens.

Based on my research, no one was teaching an easy-to-use system like mine. I knew my book would fulfill a niche.

You self-published "I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want!". Give us an insight into the obstacles that you had to overcome and

"Color is considered, by many, to be the first aspect of a painting that a viewer notices. It’s complex, magical and one of the most difficult art elements to learn.

I wanted, and still do, to help artists achieve that first stage of gaining color confidence: learning how to mix color."

how this book has impacted readers.

Motivated by the testimonials I was receiving from my blog and video course, in 2016 I decided to self-publish a book. Before starting, I thought I had checked all the boxes, such as having: done the research, identified my audience, acquired writing skills, knowledge of instructional design background

and

marketing

know-how,

developed a mailing list, and the passionate drive

"I decided to develop and teach my color mixing methodology." to impact others. Also, I had previously written a memoir which meant I knew about cover and interior book design and the importance of hiring editors.

Wow! was I in for a surprise. I learned there is nothing easy or simple about self-publishing. Along the way, I enjoyed myself, met wonderful people, and learned more about the book publishing industry that I knew was possible. My goal was to create a high-quality hard-back book that would endure the rigors of heavy studio, classroom, and library use.

Thus, the endless details and the financial requirements were more than I had anticipated. Then the reality of 1,500 books arriving in a semi was both thrilling and daunting.

“How am I going to find homes for all of these?” Six months after publishing my books, I realized I had been, for nearly two years, a writer who was an artist. Though gratified with excellent sales, I was mentally exhausted and knew it was time to switch back to being an artist who writes.

My heartfelt reward has come from my readers multiple comments, exclaiming they have finally found the color book

they have been looking for. They love the clarity and easy

much like a composer chooses a musical chord.

to follow instruction. Several have stated that they have

Sometimes I create a small color mixing chart with these

been able to take their painting to the next level.

colors to give me guidance. Then I start applying paint and mark making without knowing or thinking about the

What do you aim to achieve when working on a piece?

result. Creativity is the interaction between play,

Throughout my painting career, regardless of the

technique, and curiosity, like improvisation the outcome

medium or style, I have had three overriding intentions

can never be planned. In the early stages, I turn the panel

with my work. They are to create color harmony,

90 or 180 degrees to assist me in letting go and not

mystery, and depth. The latter invites the viewer in,

becoming too attached to the work. It took me nearly two

sparking their imagination, memories and encouraging

years of constant painting, to willingly let go and fully

them to ask questions about themselves or the artist. I

experience this creative freedom. About a third of the

often play with contrasts. For example, mixing organic

way into this intuitive process, I take a moment to analyze

shapes with geometric, curved with straight lines,

its voice to identify what it is saying. Once I have received

smooth and textured areas, etc. The tension of opposites

and agreed upon a direction, I invite the critic to gently

not only creates energy, but it also shows that

participate. As the painting develops, I check to see if my

differences can exist harmoniously in one space.

intentions are being met, and I critique my design, composition, values, etc. By the way, I will alter my color

Tell us about your paintings in the "Unveiling the

scheme if I believe it will add to the energy or mood.

Invisible" collection.

Each painting starts on a lightly textured surface created

You have a unique approach in your painting process

by applying three layers of gesso. I prefer a hard surface,

that involves taking photos of each painting through its

because it allows for more physical interaction via

various stages. Please tell us about this.

gestures and scraping. Next, I decide on the color scheme

Years ago, I started taking photos of my artistic process.

"I have frequently reflected on questions, such as, why did I paint that?"

This was initially done to teach and educate others so

arrowheads and capture water creatures. All the while, I

they could see the stages. Sometimes I publish them in a

knew there were magical beings watching over me. My

blog, and they can be found on my website portfolios

revelation and new medium led me to embrace my love of

pages. Soon, I discovered that this documentation is

nature more fully and to creating my “Enchanted Forest”

invaluable. I can go back to see the steps I took to create

series.

an effect and often I am surprised to see what I did. Fun! You recently had some difficult news regarding your In 2020 you began creating abstract nature works using

health. How have you managed in this situation along

cold wax. What inspired this exploration?

with COVID, and how has it influenced your art?

The diversity of acrylic mix-media art materials intrigue

When COVID hit, I approached it as an opportunity to

me, but early in 2020, I discovered oil paints mixed with

hunker down and deep dive into learning my new

cold wax medium. This medium spoke to me because it is

medium. Not only was I motivated to experiment in the

a more robust medium and resonates with my love of

studio, but I was also preparing for a solo show in April

scraping off layers to reveal the surprises. A huge array of

2021. Painting became even more important because of

unconventional tools makes it a messy task and possible

this devastating pandemic.

to create a variety of textures. This process joyfully takes

Then in August, I received the surprising diagnosis that I

me back to my childhood days of digging and exploring.

have multiple myeloma, which is an incurable blood

This medium change coincided with my personal insights.

cancer. Other than a persistent oral infection, I had no

During my career, I have frequently reflected on

other symptoms. This news generated a collision of

questions, such as, why did I paint that? What am I trying

emotions. Despite being fiercely independent, I did not

to say? What are people’s interpretations? Why is

hesitate to reach out for support. It’s heart-warming to

painting important? What life experiences influence me,

receive loving concern from many people and, most

etc.? It was the last question that heightened my

importantly, my gentle and steadfast husband. Learning

awareness of nature’s impact, particularly the forest, on

how to navigate the healthcare system, a multitude of

my life. As an 8-10-year-old suburban girl, I spent hours

doctors, minor surgeries, tests, and test results was a

alone in our neighborhood woods, in awe of nature’s

roller coaster. Fortunately, my prognosis is good which

beauty, simplicity and complexity. Often unhappy at

means I am in the early stages and do not currently need

home, I escaped to climb outcroppings, dig for gold and

treatment. Some thought I would stop painting. No, not

"Painting requires being in the present with a focused concentration."

at all! Painting has always grounded me and is essential to

more committed to bringing beauty into the world.

maintaining my mental and spiritual health. However, I

Regarding my work, brain fog interceded, causing

did have to choose to let go of many other tasks, such as,

unsatisfactory results. Painting requires being in the

blog writing, maintaining my website, marketing tasks,

present with a focused concentration.

administrative tasks, house maintenance projects, etc.

Many paintings were tossed or sanded over because I could not get into the flow. Between August and

Upon reflection, I believe my approach to painting has

November, I kept the faith despite the disappointing

made me more resilient. Uncertainty is a constant in my

outcomes. However, one of my favorite paintings during

creative process. Instead of bemoaning the loss of control

this time “Midnight Muse,” reveals hope conveyed by a

on many fronts, I cherish the life I have and the people in

lone tree stalwartly shining on the threshold of an

it. Having cancer has made me feel this more deeply and

ominous mystery.

Tell us about your collection of works “The Art of Wine & Spirits".

Watercolors were my first love and for 15 years I painted realistically. Then I went cold turkey and ventured into pastels, oils, and acrylics, while exploring abstraction. After a couple of years working in mixed media, I decided to tackle the challenge of combining abstraction and realism with the additional challenge of painting glass and liquid.

Creativity is inspired by challenges. I enjoy a good glass of wine or martini. Hence, they were a fun subject for a series.

"Watercolors were my first love and for 15 years I painted realistically. After a couple of years working in mixed media, I decided to tackle the challenge of combining abstraction and realism with the additional challenge of painting glass and liquid.

Creativity is inspired by challenges."

Please tell us about your "sacred place" (your studio/ cabin up in the mountains).

When I was 11, my family took a cross country car trip from the Philadelphia to California. On our return trip, we stopped to visit my great aunt and uncle at their remote 4-room Colorado mountain cabin. Steel cables and giant logs firmly keep it upon a massive boulder on a steep forested hillside overlooking the South Platte River. A large screened in porch makes it feel like a tree house. Soon after arriving, I knew I had found my place and sensed I had been in this area in a previous life.

Ultimately the cabin was passed onto me. Shortly after trading in my corporate suits for an artist’s smock, I began my annual, solo month-long sojourns to the cabin. For over 12 years, I drove 1,000 miles from Minnesota to Colorado. It’s my place of rejuvenation, relaxation, and reflection, all the while creating and taking in nature. No cell service and no TV are available.

I created a small studio space in a previously designated guest room. Because it was built in 1930’s, the cabin has many quirks, including an outside shower, requiring regular maintenance on my part. Fifteen years ago, I convinced my husband to move to Colorado Springs so that we would be within 90 minutes of my sacred place.

"Shortly after trading in my corporate suits for an artist’s smock, I began my annual, solo month-long sojourns to the cabin. For over 12 years, I drove over 1,000 miles from Minnesota to Colorado.

It’s my place of rejuvenation, relaxation, and reflection, all the while creating and taking in nature."

"I believe my approach to painting has made me more resilient. Uncertainty is a constant factor in my creative process. Instead of bemoaning the loss of control on many fronts, I cherish the life I have and the people in it."

Who are some of the people that have most inspired and contributed positively to your amazing career?

When I was in junior high school, I attended an after-school group art class in an artist’s studio. My first lesson with Mrs. “B,” a boisterous, buxom Italian American who wore enough jewelry for three women, left an indelible mark. She handed me a set of colored pencils and blank paper, then asked me, “To pick the color and draw a line the depicts energy, then grief, then joy, etc.” Her instruction, compassion and passion opened a door to a world I knew would never leave.

My first two and half years studying watercolor were with Terry Genesen Becker at a Minneapolis art center. She provided the solid foundation I needed. More well-known artists include Jacob Lawrence, Judy Chicago, Georgia O’Keeffe, Remedios Varo, JosefAlbers, and M.C. Escher. www.carolamcintyre.com www.facebook.com/colormaestro www.instagram.com/colormixingexpert