Monique Carr Art

Rhythm & Blues, oil on panel, 9"X12" When I paint en plein air, I’m not painting only what I see. I’m grabbing the generic design that the nature is providing me and I’m recomposing the scene to make it my own.  A dash of imagination and a pinch of exaggeration is my recipe for a colorful and an expressive painting that is my own creation.  See below images of my process. "If you can dream it, you can do it.  Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse."  ~  Walt Disney Co. As I pause on Mr. Disney’s quote, I feel energized by it. I need to focus on my dream and move toward it one step at the time. On this note, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. With Love, Monique XX

Conspicuous Lagoon, Oil on Canvas, 12"x24". Plein air, Linear Trail, Erwin, TN I feel as an artist that I'm finding my own path, my own style. I think it’s a matter of daring, trying different things and not worry about what people think. It seems like something clicked in my way of painting. Now, I need to keep doing it, developing it, until it becomes a second nature. November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives. I'm thankful for a lot of things, but I'm most thankful for my wonderful husband and his support in my art. I couldn’t do it without him. Wishing you all a joyous Thanksgiving. With Love,  Monique XX

Enchanted Bank, oil on panel, 9"X12" Fall is my favorite season! Perfect days to paint outdoors. The beauty of God’s creation always amazes me! I'm challenging myself to be more abstract in my art lately. I have to disconnect myself of the reality, and just go with what I feel. It’s a matter of accepting of not being so literal. Instead, I need to focus on the elegance of light and form in my composition. See below the process of my painting that I did at Sycamore Shoals, Elizabethton, TN. You can view this painting as well as many others on my website at moniquecarr.com .  Have a wonderful day and happy painting! With Love, Monique XX

I went to the beach last summer and I was inspired to paint these cute little birds. More I paint more I realize that my best paintings are the ones that I DO NOT copy what I see. I just take the basic information of what I see, and I make my own interpretation of it. I want to push the colors, push the design and let my imagination go above and beyond.  See below the step-by-step of my process. I challenge you to push your creativity and have a wonderful time at the easel this year! Love you all! Monique XX

Tipton Haynes Historic Site, Oil on Panel, 9"X12" When I paint en plein air, I have a feeling of contentment and appreciation of the beauty that surrounds me. I want to be content with what I have. I learned lately that contentment is a gift we give to others! Let’s remember that God’s greatest gift is the gift of life itself. The son of God, Jesus, gave His life for us. That is the Gift!! But death on the cross was not the end. Indeed…this greatest of all Gifts, Eternal Life! Imagine that! From my heart to yours, I wish you all a Joyous Easter Season. Monique XXX

Glow on the Shore ,  Oil on Canvas, 30" X 24" As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I want to focus on gratitude and appreciation. So I thank my wonderful husband and ALL of YOU! Your interest, support and encouragement have meant more than you know and has kept me going and going. I wish you all a Thanksgiving season filled with gratitude and joy! The Bible says,  “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever”.   1 Chronicles 16:34 Love, Monique XX Plein Air painting at the French Broad River, Asheville NC

The Long Chair, oil on panel, 8"x6" Plein Air Painting, July 2014, France I almost relinquished to mail my application for an art show simply because of a lack of confidence. My husband encouraged me to send my proposal, and I’m glad I did. I’m excited to announce that I will have my first solo show April 23-June 6, 2015. It will be at the Arts Depot in Abingdon VA. My goal is to produce 25-30 new works to exhibit. The theme of the show will be ‘The French Connection’. It will feature oil paintings from my travels to France and Quebec. Between now and then, it will be an opportunity for me to grow, redefine myself, and step outside of the box. Scary huh! The Bible Says ' When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. ' - Psalm 56:3 Hugs, Monique XXX