Carol A. McIntyre: Artist

Carol A. McIntyre: Mysteries and Magic of Color

“She decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language.

And birds fluttered around her, writing “yes” into the sky.” -- Monique Duval, author, The Persistence of Yellow: A Book of Recipes for Life

Carol McIntyre’s life as a professional artist is a lesson in persistence combined with her passion for art and color. Telling her story, she states, “Life as a professional artist is difficult and full of uncertainty.

“At age 36, I gave up a secure corporate paycheck for an uncertain art career. Though a college art major, I shut down my artistic aspirations for fifteen years until my late motherin-law re-opened that door by introducing me to watercolors.”

Carol’s mother-in-law also inspired an early, massive project which spanned six years: twentysix paintings commemorating the women of the 1800s, which was featured in a major watercolor magazine and taught Carol many lessons.

“That first major series taught me invaluable lessons, such as: establishing a theme, perseverance, seeking support, creating a professional presentation, crating and shipping 26 paintings, living with uncertainty, approaching venues, and so much more. Because I kept a journal throughout the process, another important lesson I learned, I subsequently wrote a memoir entitled Painting My Passion: An Artist’s Journey with the Women of the West. Cloud Windows

“Did I almost quit? Yes, many times, but I had made a commitment to my dear mother-in-law as she was dying, that I would create my series ‘No Time for Idle Hands,’ in her honor.”

No Time for Idle Hands

Carol’s love for color weaves through both her art and writings, and a recent exhibit almost sold out before the doors opened.

“Color is the first art element that viewers respond to, and it is full of mystery and complexities. When I began this journey, I was shocked to find few classes on the topic (this was before the Internet, CD’s, etc.).

Fortunately, I found a college course at our local university and the professor allowed me to attend. It proved to be challenging and highly rewarding. Soon, I had developed my own approach to mixing color, and started to teach it to frustrated painters to help them open their doors of selfexpression.

“It is an easy system which became the basis of my recent awardwinning book I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want!” Inner Quest

“What keeps me going? The simplest answer is curiosity, followed by discipline, life-long learning, and faith in myself.”

No Time for Idle Hands

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McIntyre was born in Iowa, grew up near Philadelphia, worked in Minneapolis, and now resides in Colorado to be closer to her cherished mountain cabin. More: http://www.CarolAMcIntyre.com.