Carol has been painting for more than 50 years.
As a child her parents quickly recognised her interest in, and talent for, creating works of art, so she was enrolled at the Peter Birch School of Art and later went on to study A Level Art.
Her passion for painting was always shared with her love of nature and animals so Carol went on to study Veterinary Medicine at London University. Though her spare time was limited, Carol continued to draw and paint throughout her veterinary career.
Having enjoyed a successful career in veterinary medicine for over 40 years, Carol has now ‘retired’ to pursue her interest in art full time. Her love of animals is frequently reflected in her work, where a detailed understanding of both science and anatomy really helps to bring her subjects to life.
Artist Statement
I have always been fascinated by the way close contact with the natural world has such a direct impact on improving the mindset of people. But what is it about a landscape or time spent with animals that speaks to us so directly?
By stripping away all the ‘background noise’, my art invites you to focus on the very essence of an animal, the ‘heart-beat’ that talks to us and transports us to a better place. The purpose of my work is to capture the ‘soul’ of the living, breathing, natural world and bring it into our cities, offices, and homes, so that we can enjoy the benefit of being in harmony with nature every day of our lives.
My landscapes are much less about the scenery and much more about ‘the empty spaces’ the scenery contains. My paintings are created to provide room for our minds to wonder, for us to leave our troubles behind. I seek to capture ‘that elusive element’ of the natural world that lowers our heart rate and make us more at peace with ourselves.
I paint pictures that hold the perfect antidote to the frustrations, disappointments, restrictions, and everyday politics of modern life.
Carol Barnwell
