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

CAROLINE, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

You can’t just be one thing in the art industry. I believe this holds true for most of us artists out there. And if you’re one of the few who can make a living doing just one thing, then you are truly blessed. But for the rest of us creatives out there, you can’t just be a painter, a teacher, a muralist. You have to have your hands in multiple projects. You need a diverse portfolio of your skills to showcase who you are and what you can do. I wish someone would have told me this sooner.

In 2008 I began painting seriously. I painted as much as I could. I got into shows, into galleries, and articles in magazines. I made a few sales here and there, but that was it. I couldn’t live off of what I made.

So I began exploring other things relating to the field that I could do. I began working at an art gallery and became the Vice Chair to the City of Gresham Art Committee. I got a teaching position at a local art school for kids. Then I started doing paint parties across Oregon and SW Washington. I started a Youtube channel, Caroline Green Art, where I do all kinds of videos on art, including tutorials.

Eventually I joined yet another art committee, Tualatin Valley Creates, as the Team Lead for Chalk Artists. I learned how to create large scale chalk murals on the street.

I became a muralist, painting large vibrant landscapes on both public and private buildings.

I still paint and sell my work but no longer through a gallery, instead I am a featured artist at The Starry Night Inn, a boutique art hotel located in Seaside Oregon. Guests staying at the hotel can literally take the artwork off the walls and bring it home with them.

This year, I also created and started selling my “Oops, I Arted! Paint Studio Kits”. These kits contain everything you need to create a beautiful masterpiece from the comfort of your own home, using very simple techniques. The kit includes a link to a tutorial video and I offer one-on-one support.

And on top of all that, I am in the works of creating something very special.

If I could give my younger self some advice which would have made this journey a little smoother and faster it would be, to diversify your income streams and don’t be afraid of experimenting.

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 come from a family full of artists ranging from painters, wood workers, poets, musicians and authors. I grew up surrounded by the art world where weekend trips to museums, galleries and art stores were a common occurrence. Seeing such works as Pollock and Monet helped fuel my passion and curiosity for the arts. Grocery store trips almost always guaranteed a new coloring book. Christmas and birthday gifts were mostly art supplies such as extra large boxes of crayons, markers, colored pencils, spin art and airbrush machines.

As a child, I would watch my mother, Janice, paint in her studio. My mother became my first art teacher, and gave me my first water colors and acrylics to use. With these tools, I was shown how to use a straw to blow water color paints around on paper. As my skills developed I eventually moved into oils and other mediums such as encaustics and pastels. Mom taught me the formula of mixing pigments with dammar crystals and beeswax for creating encaustic medium and how to melt and manipulate the wax.

This early experience sparked a passion that has stayed with me throughout my life.

In 2024 I realized that I could reach a wider range of individuals by bringing the paint lessons and paint party experience to people right at home. So, I created the “Oops, I Arted! Paint Studio Kits.” Basically, combining my YouTube channel and my paint party skills.

Art is a universal experience meant to be felt not just seen. I believe everyone is an artist and should have a chance to experience the joy of painting.

To make this vison a reality I am developing a business that will bring this goal to life.

Visit www.carolinegreenart.com to follow our progress.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Art is for everyone and should be a fun, engaging experience. It transcends boundaries and allows people to express themselves in unique ways. My mission is to make art accessible to all, fostering a community where creativity thrives. I’m developing a platform that invites people of all ages and skill levels to discover the joy of painting and artistic expression.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the opportunity to bring joy to others. There’s a special satisfaction in seeing people light up when they discover their artistic potential. My goal is to share this joy with as many people as possible, making art an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carolinegreenart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinegreenart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-carrie-green-1812436b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/carolinegreenart