Art Studio Tour: My Chat with Candace Carroll
All Photos © Candace Carroll
Bio
Profession: Painter | Location: Georgia
Candace Carroll is an acrylic and watercolor painter. Working out of her barn studio, she paints abstracts, florals, landscapes and anything else that evokes creativity.
Candace graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in photography. After college, she spent a few years as a portrait photographer, but the technology transition from film to digital photography left her wanting more. As an outlet to create something tangible, her exploration of watercolor painting developed into a true love of painting. For her, painting is a gift from the Lord and is a way to connect spiritually using her talents.
In her spare time, you can find Candace painting in the barn with her three children, relaxing on the porch with her husband Brad, playing with her Boston Terrier puppy Dottie, or gardening in the yard of their home in North Georgia.
What Inspires Your Work?
I get a lot of inspiration from quick photos I snap with my phone for my landscapes. Other times, from clients that request commissions that push me a bit out of my comfort zone which, in turn, encourages me to try new color palettes or subject matter.
What Are Your Favorite Mediums And Tools To Use?
I have been mostly painting in acrylic which I love because it is much more forgiving than watercolor but watercolor will always have a part of my heart.
What Is One Word You Would Use To Describe Your Studio Space?
Simple.
What Is Your Favorite Thing About Your Studio Space?
It is just a room above our barn but it is absolutely perfect to create in. It has great light, lots of windows, pine floors and a huge table covered in my junk! I love that I can make a mess out there and not feel the need to tidy up.
What Are Three Items In Your Workspace That You Can’t Live Without?
Easel, drop cloth (I'm a messy painter) and my sidekicks (my daughter Sadie and studio dog Dottie)
What Does A Day In The Life Look Like For You? What Are Your Daily Habits?
I am a mother of 3 and I also work full-time. The day starts at 6 with getting the kids ready for school. Sometimes I sneak in a few minutes of painting in the early morning hours after the bus picks up, then it is off to drop my youngest off at preschool and head to work. I head home around 5 and then shuffle to football and lacrosse before scraping together dinner, helping with homework, and getting everyone in bed at a reasonable hour. It's quite hectic! On the weekends I get to hide away and paint while listening to audio books or 90's music :)
How Do You Practice Self-Care Throughout The Day?
On my lunch break I work out or go shopping.
How Do You Store Your Artwork?
My canvases I stack against the wall, nothing fancy about it. Smaller watercolors are stored in a peacock blue refinished dresser I re-purposed from Goodwill and painted.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m an illustrator & writer. I’ve been running my own creative business since 2015. My mission is to help artists find their unique creative voice, build positive habits, and do what they love for a living.