Abstract art uses the same visual language as representational art. The same principles of composition, scale, proportion, etc. apply… as do the elements of color, texture, shape, form, and so on. But because the art is independent from visual references it gives me a bit more freedom to play and immerse myself in the simple pleasure of painting. Sometimes I go too far and overwork something. Or I mess up and don’t take a piece far enough. But if when I get to the sweet spot where the rhythm and cadence take over and I surrender to the process, some interesting work can appear. Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, said, “Creativity occurs in the moment, and in the moment we are timeless.” Absolutely the truth. Enjoy my abstract collection. Drop me a line and let me know your experience. Come back often as art is always being added.
My father once said that the closest you can be to God is watching a sunset. I’m not sure about that, but I do know that when I am in nature, I feel peace. Forests, oceans, lakes, mountains, fields, gardens, flowers, compost…. I can’t get enough. I ached for a garden when my first child began to explore nature, so I installed one. I’ve been hooked ever since. We spent many hours there digging in dirt and caring for the plants…some of the sweetest memories of my life.
When I’m inspired to paint them, I strive to capture the essence of the plant, sort of like the plant’s personality - an endeavor I won’t likely tire of any time soon. This botanical collection is inspired by my deep love of nature. Stop back. I am always adding to this collection.
The Goddess Collection started with a mural on my studio wall. I wanted to create something that reflected how I was feeling as an artist. I also wanted a gigantic reminder of my worthiness to express who I am through my work, because, well, don’t we all need something like that? Though it’s not a self-portrait per se, it’s a portrait of a mind that is shedding the past and opening to a new creative life.
When she was complete, I asked some friends what to name her, curious how they would respond. Goddesses were abundant, but the word Bloom hit me right in the chest… While the title Blume could be considered cliché when looking at a painting of a woman with flowers coming out of her head, it was the perfect description for what has been happening to me since I’ve started painting again.
The second portrait in the series, Her Spirit, is named after someone I love dearly. She is fierce and badass, yet vulnerable and naïve. When Her Spirit, was finished, a dear friend exclaimed, “You are painting Goddesses lately.” I agreed. This is how the Goddess Collection was born. Stay tuned for additions to the Goddess Series.
“Most of us think angels have wings, but the lucky know that they have paws.” Unknown author.
Most of my life animals were my refuge when I didn’t fit in with people. My pets have always checked the “boxes” on the belonging checklist. My dog and I understand each other with no explanation needed. We both act in ways that validate the other, and we always give each other plenty of recognition and appreciation. Given this, it’s certainly no surprise that animals, especially dogs, have been the subject of many of my paintings.
My Angels Collection is a series of whimsical pet illustrations in a realism style. These are digital illustrations, using an Apple pencil in Procreate, an app that artists use to draw on a tablet screen. When I draw with pencil on paper or Apple Pen on Procreate, I lull myself into a meditative state like no other. My brain waves must change because I am quite content to sketch away for hours on end, similar to what many feel when they practice needle point, or knitting. Enjoy the results of my serotonin high, and come back for more.
During the isolation of the pandemic, we reached out to each other through the arts. In turn, it birthed a whole new era in the art world. This makes conditions ideal for collecting original art. It’s not just a transaction or investment, art can be an emotional and cultural experience with the potential to change the way you see the world. Imagine knowing you have acquired a piece that no one else in the world has! If you are considering becoming a collector of a Carolyn Wonder’s original works of art, check out this collection and check back often!
Portraits are the foundation of my training as an artist and the very soul of my practice. I was studying the bones in the face and doing busts out of clay in high school. It was exciting to try and capture an entire human being in a few lines during life drawing class in college before the professor shouted “Switch”. Now, so many years later, I know I will never not be a portrait artist, even though my interest in different genres is infinite.
Some of the portraits in this collection are commissioned, some are portraits of family members, and others are portraits I have painted from professional photographers who offer their beautiful work, royalty-free, to artists for reference. This collection is quite large and diverse in media. It includes both digital illustration in Procreate and acrylic paint on canvas. Some are full paintings, and others are quick sketches. Take a look then drop me a line and let me know your thoughts. Come back often to see new paintings.
The Shattered Series is a deeply personal exploration, born from my fascination with the inherent beauty found in brokenness. It's an artistic journey delving into the fragments of existence, both in art and life. Each piece embodies the echoes of my experiences—moments of fragmentation, shattered dreams, or fractured emotions. Yet, within these shattered elements lies an extraordinary resilience and a beauty that emerges from the chaos.
Through vivid hues, intricate textures, and intricate compositions, I strive to capture the delicate balance between disintegration and the profound strength that comes with reassembly. These artworks represent not just a portrayal of brokenness but a celebration of the resilience and transformative power inherent in the mending process.
With every stroke and fractured element, I aim to convey the intricate narratives of rebuilding and restoration, inviting viewers to embrace the beauty that emerges from embracing imperfections. The Shattered Series is a testament to the enduring spirit, depicting the artistry in our ability to rise, mend, and find beauty within our shattered fragments.
In a world today that appears to be going to hell in a handbasket, I believe it’s morally imperative to move past our divisive politics and hostile religious wars to focus on love, generosity, justice, and fairness, qualities we are born with. Manipulative politicians and the rise of narcissism are twisting these most sacred and simple concepts into hate, wealth hoarding, bias, and bigotry. When children are houseless and getting shot at school, when half the population has no autonomy over their own body, when big pharma gets a slap on the wrist after addicting millions, and when people of color face fear for their safety while jogging down the street, we’ve got problems to address. We must first wash the dirt from our eyes and walk a mile in another’s shoes to get outside our echo chambers.
This collection is a result of a catharsis of sorts. A place to unleash my deep sadness and anger from my firsthand experiences with manipulation and sexism, as well as witnessing countless ignorant and hate-filled encounters inflicted upon my friends, children, siblings, mother, and grandmothers. More paintings coming soon. Stop by again.
Summer is my favorite season in Wisconsin. I love strolling through my garden, checking on my “babies”, pruning and dead heading the spent buds. The praying mantis plays hide and seek with me in the Daylily beds, and our lawn is filled with hopping frogs that delight my pup Charlie. Neighbors, walking their dogs, sometimes stop to chat, a welcome break after the isolation of the long winter.
Home grown tomatoes are my favorite summer treat. Growing up, Mom would slice them, sprinkle salt on top, and serve them alongside some Wisconsin cheddar. It was our special time with Mom when my siblings were not at home. Those memories fill my heart and help me connect with my Mom who is no longer with us. I hope you enjoy these Summer Harvest paintings and help you feel the magic of summer all year long.
