Pat Carney

I grew up in a farm family of nine in Missouri, and remember drawing and reading after the many chores were done.  I loved being able to reproduce the natural world around me and to escape to other lands and times in books.  A scholarship enabled me to go to college and earn a B.A. and an M.A. in Fine Arts.  Attracted to the teaching profession, I taught art and later history as well as completing a Ph.D in European Social History.

Teaching presented varied opportunities and challenges.  I channeled my creativity into lesson plans and especially enjoyed the performance aspect of instruction.  In art, I widened the audience for my student’s work through exhibitions; in history, I found the  most effective means of engaging students was through an interdisciplinary team-teaching approach with Literature.  I also found my true love, Charlie Anderson, who has provided companionship for many of life’s adventures.

Retiring after thirty years of classroom teaching, I rediscovered my passion for painting.  I continue to develop my skills with constant study and painting nearly every day.  I attempt to depict the essence of my subject to communicate its special qualities that will resonate with viewers.  I am an enthusiastic plein air painter; I work on location making studies and taking photo reference to develop finished pieces in the studio.  While many of my paintings depict Colorado scenes, I also have taken my gear on trips throughout the Southwest and abroad.  My work as been selected for exhibits of the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, and Salon International.  You can view more paintings on my website, www.PatCarneyFineArt.com.