Inspiring Creativity Through Color and Light: The Artistic Journey of Paulette Carr

Benny Wang Dec 11 2024

Inspiring Creativity Through Color and Light: The Artistic Journey of Paulette Carr

Paulette Carr’s art is a testament to the power of color, light, and emotional depth. With an intuitive understanding of these elements, she brings her creative visions to life in stunning acrylic paintings and mixed-media pieces. A true advocate for self-expression, Paulette’s art evokes emotion, transports viewers to different places, and stirs feelings of peace and tranquility. In this feature, we dive into her journey as an artist, her inspirations, and the role that Golden State Art’s picture frames and photo mat boards play in showcasing her vibrant creations.

From Office Worker to Artist: The Leap Into Creativity

Paulette’s story is a beautiful example of following your passion and taking the leap into the unknown. Based in Holland, Michigan, she spent over three decades working in an office environment before retiring and deciding to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an artist. For Paulette, art was always something that captivated her—color, light, and the potential to create something meaningful through those elements.

“I really have always wanted to be an artist,” Paulette shares. “Color and light have fascinated me since I was a child! After 30+ years of office work, I finally realized that I didn’t want to ‘grow up’ in the traditional sense. I wanted to embrace that childlike wonder in my approach to the world—and that led me back to art.”

For over 12 years now, Paulette has been following her dream of creating art. What began as a personal journey quickly turned into something much larger, as she took the leap to not only create but also teach. She is now the proud owner and artist-in-residence at Brave Art Studios & Gallery in Allegan, Michigan, where she mentors other artists and helps them develop their creative talents.

The Power of Emotion in Art

Paulette’s paintings speak to her deep emotional connection with the world around her. The process of creation is not just about transferring images onto a canvas—it’s about expressing emotions that are sometimes difficult to articulate with words.

“I love to create first,” Paulette says. “The act of creating is something that really speaks to me. I have so much spinning through my brain that needs to work its way out through my fingers. Once a piece is complete, I love watching how it moves the viewer, how it takes them to a place, to a memory, or even evokes emotion.”

Paulette’s work often centers on landscapes, with a focus on water. Water reflects light, colors, and creates unexpected beauty through the play of sunlight. For her, water provides a sense of peace, something that’s mirrored not only in the finished piece but in the experience of creating it.

“Something about how water reflects light really moves me. The glint of sunshine on water creates surprises in a painting, and the reflections in still water provide a calming effect on the viewer—and on me!” Paulette explains.

A Tribute to the Classics: Monet’s Influence

One of Paulette’s greatest inspirations is Claude Monet, particularly his Waterlilies series. Monet’s ability to capture the serenity and ethereal quality of water through brushstrokes is something that Paulette admires deeply. This influence is evident in Paulette’s own work, where she strives to evoke the same sense of tranquility and peacefulness that Monet did.

“I’ve visited Monet’s homestead in Giverny, France, because his Waterlilies deeply resonate with me,” she says. “I aspire to create that same sense of calm in my paintings, to offer viewers a peaceful escape through the colors and reflections of water.”

The Art of Framing: Golden State Art’s Role in Showcasing Creativity

For an artist like Paulette, the way her work is presented is just as important as the creation process itself. That’s where Golden State Art’s high-quality picture frames and photo mat boards come into play. Paulette discovered Golden State Art while searching for custom mats for her watercolors, and it didn’t take long for her to become a loyal customer.

“The quality of the mats is exceptional, and the pricing is very competitive. But what truly sold me was the customer service. They really care about their customers, and that’s why I stopped looking for other suppliers. The mats add a professional, complimentary finish to all of my works,” Paulette explains.

The combination of Golden State Art’s beautifully crafted picture frames and premium photo mat boards has allowed Paulette’s work to stand out in exhibitions and galleries. The frames not only enhance the visual appeal of her art but also provide a professional, polished look that reflects the quality of the work itself.

Empowering Other Artists: Giving Back to the Community

Beyond creating and teaching, Paulette is also dedicated to helping other artists showcase their work. She is currently working with local art organizations to create more opportunities for public art displays. By connecting artists with businesses, public spaces, and non-profits, Paulette is helping ensure that art remains a visible and integral part of the community.

“We’re working on establishing spaces for artists to exhibit their work, whether that’s in hospitals, businesses, or public spaces,” Paulette says. “Art adds so much value to an environment, and I believe every city or institution benefits from showcasing art in their spaces. It sets the tone and creates a more welcoming atmosphere.”

Advice for Aspiring Artists

For those looking to follow in Paulette’s footsteps, she offers this advice: “Just do it! We’re all born artists. It’s those who choose to pursue it and practice that grow into their craft. Start where you are, with what you have, and just keep growing from there. Art is about expression, and if you love it, that passion will drive you forward.”

Connect with Paulette Carr

Paulette’s work is an invitation to embrace the beauty of color and light. To explore more of her creations or connect with her, you can visit her website braveart.art, or follow her on social media: