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

Alright, Kathleen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I suppose my first realization that the beauty of color was something that truly moved me was in kindergarten. I was peeling the paper off of a Crayola crayon- ‘Carnation Pink’- and the color was so beautiful that I took a bite! My mother said that if I was ever sad or upset as a child, I’d go missing and eventually she would find me surrounded by my drawings. Art and making art is part of who I am, not just something I do. When I am not making art, I feel ‘off’…

As a college student and young adult, I honestly did not know that I could choose making art as a way to make a living. IThat was for hippies and fringe people according to the people who were giving me advice. So I tool the traditional path and earned a BA and then a masters in advertising and marketing. If I had it to do over, I’d go to art school and launch right into life as a painter. I often wonder how different my life and career would have developed had I taken the direct route.

It was my husband who encouraged me to follow my dream…he believed in me. Not trusting myself yet, but not wanting to let him down, I painted furiously – I felt that I could improve with every square inch I painted. I worked. It takes hard work, I took risks, I failed and I learned from all the small failures. And- I became a better and better painter. The commissions started coming and within a few years I was making a strong 5 figure salary, steadily raising my fees as the demand for my work grew. I have always been grateful that I was supported and encouraged (almost pushed) into becoming a full time painter. I do regret not having realized that this was a legitimate career earlier and that I had saved time, tuition, and years in the ‘Mad Men’ world of advertising when I could have been making art as I was born to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The short description is I am a 65 year old woman, married, with 3 grown children living in my home state of Florida. I was born an artist- but it took years to actually professionally practice as an artist – stereotypes, formal education and an absence of role models slowed that process down. But I got there and I am proud of my art, how far I have come through hard work and dedication, and what I am able to give people that no one else can. I say no one else because I am the only one that can make my art…and when I give or sell my work to someone, the appreciation of it is a reward I can’t put a value on.
As a professional portrait artist, painting commissioned family oil portraits, my subjects are well loved family members; children, wives, and sometimes pets.. A spot on likeness is a given and must be there, but I feel that my job is to capture the character and spirit of my subject, which is what sparks the emotional reaction to the painting. I am proud to say that a few dads have cried at unveilings! I always involve my client in the process of choosing which expression best captures the subject- in body, especially hands (or paws!), and facial expression I will paint. After all the client knows the subject and I do get to know them during photo sessions, I can’t pretend to see what a parent or lover sees. A painting is not finished until my client beams and says “That’s it!- you ‘got ‘them” Without that connection it’s just another image.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

After a long, happy, and fruitful career as a commissioned portrait painter, I am exploring my own original series of paintings and I have found that it is tremendously rewarding and important to SAY something. When I have a client, then I work for them to deliver what they want. I give my absolute best, but that work is not about me. However painting my own ideas gives me this great freedom to explore me and hopefully to share what I am saying or trying on through my work. Often when I read aan artist statement describing their work and what they are saying through the piece, my mind drifts and I feel like I am reading some curlicued, pretentious, attempt at being esoteric and deep. It seems like the more confusing and ‘intellectual the words – the better. Criticize me if you want- but I don’t get it. It’s simple- WHY are you drawn to this subject? Why do you make these choices? Let the viewer understand and see into your artistic soul – share so we too can appreciate what you want us to see and feel. I have learned to be clear – I WANT the viewer to know where to start and to give them a context when looking at what I am showing them.

For example- I have painted a series of portraits of people who live in trailer parks. Growing up in south Florida, trailer parks are part of the landscape and have always fascinated me. I aim to tell a story of Community, a view of the American Dream as lived by some. When I hear ‘Trailer Trash’ I lose it- I want the viewer to see and respect another definition of Home, every bit as valid as their suburban 3 BR.

My American Portraits – my father and grandparents emigrated to the US and I am sharing my view of what unites us all, regardless of our differences. We are here- in America- together.

And probably the most complicated series is my Underwater Portraits. Females swimming, floating ,sinking…some fully dressed with shoes and flowers bouquets, even wedding gowns and a veil…. Artistically, I adore the light through water and the fragmentation of the figure, abstracting what we know to be a hand or foot into this beautiful shape. WHY do I paint people beneath the surface? I don’t know. I am hoping that my paintings will tell me. I saw my father drown when I was 13 years old. Traumatic? Absolutely. Obviously thats what is moving me to this subject but my paintings are happy and colorful. Although my sister sees ‘drowning’ I see lightness and freedom. Maybe someday I’ll figure it out! Until then- enjoy the images and read into every piece something from your own life and experience.
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We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Yes. And I am guessing that other artists have had similar experiences lately. The environment for selling fine art has changed with social media and the mass availability of inexpensive mass produced art. A younger generation of buyers puts less value on owning unique original fine art, which often comes with a dear price tag.

I have taken time away from commissioned work and am having the new experience and challenge of finding a buyer, instead of a buyer finding me. So much harder than I had imagined.

Having enjoyed a financially rewarding career as a commissioned portrait artist, I sought that success again. I decided to give it a serious push this past year – I hired a marketing group to recreate a stunning new website and to manage my social media presence, I advertised to my market; a higher end, sophisticated, wealthy client. I did interviews and small art shows throughout the year. I studied and knew my market and I kept what I saw selling in mind as I painted. I lobbied for and was accepted into a significant local annual art show – which has always been a goal of mine. This show is well run and beautifully curated with artists from all over the world and is always a ‘must attend’ both locally and nationally.

All of this was an investment and I hoped that the efforts would result in recognition and ultimately, sales.

I suppose you can guess… If I were to base this year of effort on tangible results, I’d say it was a dismal failure. And I am bitter. My work got loads of attention and praise and inquiries, but buyers just weren’t serious. They could buy a giclee so why pay more for an original work? The time it takes to create art, not to mention, talent and years of hard work and experience was not valued at all. We artists are not being compensated for our work. I now feel the pain of musicians and the stripping away of their ability to control and sell their work.

It has taken many months but I am slowly getting ready to pick up a brush again. I do not seek commercial success – I will simply paint for the joy of it and will give my art to people I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kathleencarbonarafineart.com
• Instagram: kathleen e. carbonara

Image Credits

These photos are all my property