As an artist, Carmen paints intuitively, abstractly, and with passion. She often works with acrylics because their versatility allows her to add layers, skins, texture, collage and graffito to her paintings. Oils are another favorite medium. Carmen works with cold wax and oils to achieve unique and striking effects.  

 

So what goes through the artist's mind when she is working in her studio, usually in the company of her four rescued kitties? Here's a quick interview of Carmen conducted by her gallery assistant Lorelei.

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Q: What inspires you to start a new painting? 

A: I'm always aware of the visual details around me, the sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay, the light reflecting off beach sand, the churning orange and gold of koi in the fishpond, the sparkle of sun through a stained glass window. I'm also inspired by places: New Orleans, Key West, Belize. I love the warm nights, jazzy music and laid-back lifestyle. Many of my works are inspired by the people and places where I've had the most fun.

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Q. What is the best way to appreciate your art?

A. Take a moment to open yourself up and look at it with no preconceptions. It's about capturing a feeling, not recreating a specific object or view. How you feel about a painting has a lot to do with what you bring to the painting from within, how you connect the colors and shapes and perspective to your own memories and experiences.