Painting Luminous Watercolors with Impressionistic Brushwork

Betty Carr was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California and developed a love of art from visiting museums. For 23 years she taught art in public schools and did sculpture in her spare time. In 1980, she married landscape painter, Howard Carr, and they devoted their lives to painting. They travelled several months of each year, from Oregon to South Carolina in a specially equipped mobile home. In numerous locations, they taught artist workshops. She advises her students to draw continually because – drawing is critical to good painting.

From the time she was a young girl, Carr has been represented by galleries. She has been featured in numerous publications including Art of the West, Southwest Art, American Artist, Art Talk, American Artist and Vitality magazines. Betty is proud of her acceptance into the exclusive Knickerbocker Association of New York City. Energetic, brightly colored landscapes and still-lifes are the signature work of this artist who is known for her skillful use of light, color and shadow. On the influence of light on her watercolors, she writes, “What catches my eye is the effect light has on form in unique situations whether fleeting, spilling over, striking, etc. I challenge myself in capturing its dramatic and/or subtle effects. I strive for confident enthusiastic brushwork, the maximizing of color’s value and intensity range and a fresh painterly approach, the result appearing effortless.”

Betty received her MFA from San Jose State University and has taught painting and sculpture for many years. She is a Master Artist in the American Impressionist Society; signature member of the Arizona Plein Air Painters and Northern Arizona Watercolor Society and Knickerbocker Artists. Carr is the author of the acclaimed instructional book, “Seeing the Light, An Artist’s Guide,” and has contributed to numerous books and periodicals. Her work is featured in the book “Sedona’s Best Artists.”  Her paintings (acrylic, watercolor and oil) can be viewed on her website: www.bettycarrfineart.com.