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