Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carole Degnan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

By far my most meaningful project as an artist has to be my first big commission. And by big, I mean 24×36. I had not done anything prior to this project that was over 11×14 so this was huge for me, I normally work comfortably with 9×12. And of course big in price because it was also the first time I actually set a price that I felt my skill was worth at the time and so fear sets in…what if I’m charging too much, what if they think my work isn’t worth it and so on. This commission pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many ways, but at the same time I felt proud and so excited. I was growing as an artist, and felt good. I was so nervous to get started and had no idea how I was even going to accomplish this assignment, but as I started to problem-solve, breaking it down one step at a time so not to panic the process began. I first started the sketching, then the value study and finally the color study. I decided that breaking down this painting into three paintings, (a triptych), was less scary and the way to go. I had never done that either! But I knew that I was going to master this project with passion and present a piece that my client and myself would be proud of. I will never forget this growth experience.

So, now I’m done with the painting and the uncertainty starts to creep back in. I’m thinking, ugh, is it good enough, did I do it justice, could I have done it better, should I start over? All those fears along with all the problem solving, is what an artists deals with, with every painting. You’re always faced with challenges and fears. You just have to learn to shine, it’s like standing on a stage with a microphone and audience in front of you. You are exposed and vulnerable and you have everyone’s attention.

I could of packaged up the painting and sent it off without ever seeing the clients faces when they saw their painting for the first time, but instead I traveled nine hours to present it in person. Yes, I was scared, but the reward was seeing them react and as it turned out they loved it and it’s hanging in their house proudly for everyone to see along with other art they have collected, some from family members that were artists and other artists. What a honor, what an experience. As an artist, this was memorable beyond words.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I was born with a very sensitive personality and as a baby I cried a lot and as a child I was quiet and always sat in the back of the room wanting to be invisible, to just observe. I was never confident that anyone would be interested in the way I saw the world or what I had to say. But my world growing up and even now as an adult, at least in my mind, has been beautiful and fascinating. Being sensitive and quiet has been a gift. I believe I became an artist because it was a way to understand the world and the part of me that needed a pathway for expression.

Color and texture is mood and emotion and art is a way for me to express it. My young adult years were spent trying to be creative in my work choices such as drafting, culinary arts and such, but it never really satisfied me and so I started searching to fill the void in hobbies. When I was in my 50’s, I decided to learn to paint with watercolor. At the time I wasn’t thinking that I’d ever be a serious artist, I was just filling a need to be creative and having some fun. Watercolor became a perfect way for my inner self to be expressed. After a couple of years painting with watercolor I decided, I needed something else, something more…perhaps another medium to expand on in a way that watercolor couldn’t. Again, I was searching to fill a void. I stayed open to suggestions and tried many different mediums and styles, but nothing wowed me. Then, at 65 I discovered soft pastel. At first, it was difficult finding instruction to learn how to use pastel because there weren’t a lot pastel artists out there giving intruction, but I eventually did when I found Alain Picard. I now work in watercolor for the transparency and blooms that portrays my sensitive side and pastel for my more bold expressions of color and texture. Sometimes I use both at the same time in a painting. I think what sets me apart from other artists, is how I’m able to transform mood, and emotion, from my observations onto paper. It’s like my finger print, it’s my inner self expression and that makes me unique. For example: I might do a portrait of a pet or person that I do not know personally, but through my observation while painting, I am somehow able to translate something that clients relate to. Much in the same way we are moved by people we meet on the street for the first time and something clicks. Sensitivity and emotion finds its way to our hearts, and this is why art is so important. It portrays who we are.

For years my artwork has been a personal hobby but I now show my work in galleries and I’m always available for commissions. I’m most proud of how my work touches people emotionally in ways I could never imagine. I find great joy in the fact that I can bring a small bit a joy to the world and allow a sharing of myself. I hope who ever considers me for a commission knows that I will always paint with sensitivity and with my heart in hand.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My motto has always been, “stay open.” I used to tell my kids this on a daily basis and now I find there are situations where I have to remind myself as well. For me staying open means not to restrict my ability to learn or do the work. I say yes and then I go to work to make that project happen. I’d like to say I challenge myself and If a client wants more than what I am willing to give, I pause and always respond in a possible and “can do” way because I have found that my energy stays positive, and my client is happier knowing I have tried. It’s a win-win. By staying open I have grown as an artist and a person and I have pleased a client. Stay open, stay positive and you’ll grow, open doors and people appreciate that.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It has to be deconstructing what is in my head, onto paper. Its an addicting process that consumes my mind twenty four seven and I love the game. I even have dreams in such detail and color, in mediums I know nothing about and that’s so fascinating. I know I will always paint until I can’t any longer. It’s the most rewarding thing ever!

Contact Info:

• Website: carolesuedegnanfineart.com
• Instagram: 60cdegnan
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/cdegnan2