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.
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.
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
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
I’m a performance artist at heart. My work tends to be a bold expression of nature and energy surrounding me. It is a journey into uncertainty, and it is an awakening of the heart. Just as the poet captures the beauty of nature in his writing, I capture it in my artwork.
My work is mixed media, often including acrylics, torn tissue, and repurposed paintings to create intuitive, multi-layered pieces. My style built on my classical training as a realism oil painter to more emotion-laden, expressionistic – and sometimes impressionistic – brush strokes.
I have a multi-dimensional sensory art creation process and all of my art is a deep reflection of my constant inner work – honoring awareness, resilience, and shifting currents within myself and the world.
BIO
Caroline Karp is a multi-talented artist, author/illustrator, educator, and host of the Behind the Art Inspiration Podcast. Her passion for art has led her to travel and establish studios in Washington D.C., Kauai, and Tampa Bay. Caroline’s art captures the essence of the environment, embodying the energy of expression in her work. As a Plein Air painter, Caroline uses an expressionistic perspective to capture moments and places. Her paintings are known for their boldness and the intense emotion that comes with the creation process.
Caroline’s artwork has been commissioned by people all around the world, including celebrities like supermodel Kate Upton and MLB player Justin Verlander. She has been recognized as an international artist and has been featured in several podcasts and publications, such as New Visionary, The Georgetowner, and Art NXT Level. Caroline is also the founder of the International Online Art Collective, a group of artists who believe in the power of art to inspire, provoke, and heal.
As a live painter, Caroline creates a sacred space where she can share her heart, be authentic, and allow creativity to flow. She is dedicated to the well-being of humankind and believes that making art is a journey into the unknown, an awakening of the heart. With her unique combination of talents, Caroline Karp is a true inspiration in the world of art.
Caroline obtained her BFA from Florida State University in 1991 and her MA from the University of Colorado. Upon graduating, she moved to Colorado for ten years to continue her career as a painter and educator. After living in Denver, she is now living in Clearwater, Florida where you can find her on the golf course, pickleball court, out on the water or in her studio painting.