Painting with Artist Carol Marine

The days have been flying by, each one chock full with spring break fun and a ton of work, as well.

The last two days I have had the privilege and the pleasure of taking a painting class (or in looser terms, a "paint along") with three good friends, and artist Carole Marine. Carol is a Texas artist who teaches workshops all over the world. What made our class very special is that she is came to town as a friend,  and there were only a few of us painting together.

I have followed Carol's work for quite some time. She is a disciplined and talented painter who shows at several galleries around the country and participates in the Daily Painters Gallery.

An added perk was Carol's friend and fellow artist, Matt Moffett, who came along to paint with us. Matt is full of personality and an amazing artist in his own right.  He shared his heart and his humor with us non stop and was a complete joy to get to know.

Carol is a delightful person with a warm and very generous spirit. She is also a very good teacher who can meet her students on any level, providing clear instruction and encouragement.

We spent time painting, talking, eating great food and laughing, lots of laughing. It was a full two days of learning and sharing for all of us.  We spent one day painting plein air and the other in a studio.

To back track a little, I need to tell a story. Once upon a time I thought this painting would be mine, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Here is what happened.........

Back in December of 2008, I sent this email to my friend, Leslie.

"OHMYGOSH!! I want this painting! How about we go to Austin on your birthday to see the work at this gallery. I am sure you have already been there but maybe we can get a sneak peek at the show that opens on the 10th? I will drive and buy you a birthday lunch and we can TALK the whole way - sound good to you? Your birthday is Friday the 9th right?"

Carol had a show at the Wally Workman gallery in Austin, which was to open on January 10, 2009. I was hot to trot to get over there and see the show, and particularly , this painting, before the opening.

Not but a few minutes later my phone rang and a very soft voice, said, quite sheepishly

"You are not going to believe what I am getting ready to tell you."

  "What?"

"I just bought that painting last week".

Silence..........................

"You are kidding, right?"

"No, I love it. I'm sorry - are you going to kill me?"

"Of course not.(sniff, sniff) I can visit it, right? "

And so it goes. It was not the first time nor the last that Leslie and I have loved the same things. Her house, which I posted about here is full of treasures I would happily live with. She is also a talented artist herself, as you can see here.

I know from collecting art and antiques that we never forget "the one that got away". I also know that if we are patient, another treasure will come along eventually.

Meanwhile, Leslie, and friends Debra and Laura, took a class from Carol in San Antonio.  I was not able to join them that time, but they came home excited to have learned from Carol and  eager to have her work with us in our neck of the woods. 

Anyone who looks at Carol's teaching schedule will recognize what a gift and blessing it was to have her make time for us. She is one busy woman, traveling far and wide around the country and to Europe, teaching to full classes with waiting lists. 

I was so happy to be able to participate this time around.

Here are a few more photos of Carol's work and a few shots of our time together. 

Carol is a master of still life and I have gathered favorites in my album over the past several years. If you are interested in seeing what is currently available for purchase, visit Carole's website and from there you can link to her galleries.

After attempting to paint a single pear time and time again during our studio time, I have a real appreciation for this simple row of pears and lone apple.  Everything about the composition is  just lovely.

(This is one that is still available on eBay here.)

We set up on a hill side to paint the oak trees and surrounding hills. I was a bit of a stalker, and always managed to set up quite close to Carol! She paints with intensity and concentration, but also with ease.

After a while we set out to find something new to paint and settled on this old barn. Below you can see Carol working on her painting. To the left you can see that I have set up right behind her to try to absorb some of her talent through osmosis. It didn't exactly happen, but I loved watching her paint!

It was fascinating to watch Carol study the barn and then transfer what she saw to canvas.

Carol's wonderful painting of the barn - I was fortunate enough to bring it home with me! What a sweet remembrance of two very special days.

The second day we set up inside and did lots of repetition exercises. Here Carol demonstrates for us. It was so, so interesting to see how she creates her composition from start to finish.

Matt decided to step outside the studio to paint one last hill country vista. Matt is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and this was his first visit to the hill country. We hope he comes back soon! 


I came home Friday evening exhausted, but happy. I have a greater appreciation for Carol's work and an expanded appreciation for good painting in general. The discipline and talent required for Carol to produce the body of work she does is awesome. I admire and respect her, and most of all, am thrilled to call her my friend.


Thank you so much, Carol Marine .