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PAINTING IS LIKE FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE WORLD

And each work of art is a romantic expression.
Whether you’re watching the choppy waters of Kaua’i washing up at shore, admiring a field of sunflowers gently swaying in the wind, or gazing in awe of the architectural detail of Georgetown Lutheran Church, you want to grasp the movement of the scene. You want to remember the intensity of each detail. That’s what romantic expressionism captures.

But whereas most artists’ creative processes for capturing everyday magic are mysterious and unseen, mine is out in the open.

And you’re invited to join in.

“I love Caroline’s work, her point of view, her depth. I adore all the little details seeped with meaning. 
 
Caroline is the epitome of someone who lives expressively. And I want to live in an expressive world where we can share and honor one another and our beautiful contributions to the world.”   
 
—Marni Ratner, Washington, D.C. 
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LIFE AND ART ARE BEST EXPERIENCED WHEN EACH OF YOUR SENSES IS AROUSED
That’s why I practice plein-air – or outdoor – painting. I’ll strap on my river boots, wade in the water with my paints and canvas, and make a large rock my studio for the day.
And it’s why I help others awaken their senses by fostering their natural curiosity and incorporating playfulness into our interaction. Whether on the canvas or at a live event, retreat, or workshop, our energy feeds off of one another’s—enhancing both the art and the experience. Which makes for the ultimate love story.
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I’VE BEEN SPLASHING COLOR ON CANVAS (OR WHATEVER SURFACE I COULD FIND SINCE I WAS TWO)
The magical way light and colors danced together had me in awe. It’s why I became an early childhood educator. The curious minds I teach feed my inspiration and allow my inner child to continue to play. That exploration continues today as I write and illustrate a series of children’s books.
OUR LIVES CYCLE THROUGH SEASONS. SOMETIMES WE’RE PRODUCTIVE. OTHER TIMES, DORMANT.
When I became a mom of two boys, priorities shifted. Life got busy. 
 
But as art drew me back in, I realized it allows you to be in a constant state of flow. It follows you everywhere. So, I made my sons part of my art and my art part of our lives.
 
Today, I live and work between my studios in Tampa Bay, D.C., and Kaua’i where I occasionally host spontaneous pop-up viewings. I’m also a spiritual wellness junkie (maybe you can relate?) and frequently bring my yoga mat and camera out into nature to find inspiration. I always do.
“So glad I found Caroline Karp at the beginning of my art journey. I was drawn to her genuine, organic and intuitive approach, which clearly comes forth in the beautifully visual pieces she creates. My gosh! Almost immediately I was struck by the way Caroline leaned into the particular piece I eventually decided to purchase. When I first viewed the video she put together featuring Big Ol’ Full Moon, there was so much in that production that resonated with me personally. 
 
She had a vision for what she wanted. Then as the vision became more clear to her, she changed the entire canvas (from what had been) to now reflect changed vision. She seemed to let an unknown/unexplained energy take her in another direction, and was just okay with that. A metaphor for how I more completely want to allow my life to unfold. Annnd, I think, something even more beautiful came from the initial ingredients on the canvas.
 
I knew when I watched the finished painting come to life, with the moon the most significant aspect of the canvas, it represented a pivotal time in my life… not to mention, the painting on the canvas was absolutely stunning!”
 
—Warren Bimestefer
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DISCOVER PLEASURE IN THE UNEXPECTED
I invite you to witness my creative process by watching my painting videos or joining me for a live event. You’ll not only learn the story behind the piece, but you’ll also find that you, too, contribute to the art simply by observing and perceiving it. What you find might surprise you.
 
And perhaps you’ll join me in strapping on your river boots and wading into the water to capture the scene and tell a story all your own.
VIEW THE GALLERY
ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is an exploration of the interplay between light and color and the various ways light dances upon surfaces. I am driven to capture fleeting moments on canvas, such as transitions during sunrise and sunset, sparkles on the water, light streaks on palm fronds, color differentiations on buildings, and the way the sky lights up at twilight.

I infuse imagination into my paintings by emphasizing elements that are subtle or overlooked, such as swirling light forms flowing through the sky, or pops of pink, purple and orange on a white building. Buildings, with their dynamic interaction with light throughout the day, serve as compelling subjects for me. I strive to capture the evolving hues and shadows that define their character, revealing a harmony of contrasts.

Through a blend of mediums, including mixed media techniques incorporating torn tissue paper for texture, I seek to evoke both the serene and the dynamic within each scene. My paintings are a visual dialogue between light and dark, eliciting an aesthetic explosion of color contrast. 

My painting practice is deeply rooted in travel, spirituality, and the immeasurable joy of painting outdoors and experiencing the abundance of beauty in the world. Guided by a deep love for painting outdoors, I imbue each piece with the joy of discovery. Every series reflects my inner journey and serves as a testament to self-love and empowerment. I offer a narrative of finding strength amidst life's storms and embracing the power of womanhood. I meld reality with imagination, unveiling nuances and ethereal forms within my compositions.

BIO

Tampa Bay-based painter Caroline Karp creates vibrant expressionist paintings in oil, acrylic and mixed media. Her work focuses on the interplay between light and color and explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. With the use of bold brushstrokes and heightened colors, her paintings convey energy and emotion. 

Caroline's earned a BFA from Florida State University in 1991, followed by an MA from the University of Colorado. For a decade, she thrived as a painter and educator in Colorado before relocating to Clearwater, Florida.

Caroline has been featured in numerous publications and podcasts, including New Visionary magazine, Voyage Tampa, The Georgetowner, and the Breakfast with Sergio podcast. Her accomplishments have earned her a global clientele, including commissions from supermodel Kate Upton and MLB player Justin Verlander.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Caroline is dedicated to empowering women to live expressively. Through personalized workshops and retreats, she guides individuals towards embracing their creativity and finding inspiration in their lives. She is the founder of the International Online Art Collective, a platform for artists worldwide to connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Caroline finds joy in her active lifestyle, frequently enjoying golf, pickleball, and time spent on the water. Her genuine passion for the well-being of humanity, combined with her belief in art's transformative power, makes Caroline Karp a source of inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Discover more at www.carolinekarpartist.com/ and on Instagram @caroline_karp_artist