Notes on art matters and encouraging others
3/20/2026 12:00:00 PM
One of my deepest purposes as an artist is to encourage others along their creative journey. I believe it’s essential for artists to share their experiences and pass on their knowledge. I’ve been incredibly blessed by inspiring teachers who helped me grow, and it brings me great joy to now support and guide others in their own artistic path.
Below is a glimpse into the progression of one of my recent paintings:
Step 1: Loose Drawing and Softened Marks
I begin with a loose graphite drawing. Using water and a brush, I gently soften the lines so they resemble a black watercolor wash. This creates a fluid, organic foundation. Once dry, I seal the surface with a matte medium to preserve the marks.
Step 2: Transparent Color Layers
Next, I apply transparent layers of color using a sponge. For this painting, I used Azo Gold (Golden) and Indian Yellow (Nova) to establish a warm, glowing base—an important step in building depth.
Step 3: Building Layers with Expressive Brushwork
I continue developing the painting by layering color while keeping my brushwork loose and intuitive. This stage is all about movement, energy, and allowing the painting to evolve naturally.
Step 4: Final Details (and Knowing When to Stop)
I add a few subtle details to bring the composition together. Then comes the most important part: I stop before I feel completely finished. This helps prevent overworking and keeps the painting fresh and alive.
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4 Essential Principles for Abstract Landscape Artists
These are the guiding principles I follow in my work:
• Trust yourself
• Experiment freely
• Be spontaneous
• Less is more
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Art, Faith, and Encouragement
As artists—and as Christians—I believe we are called to uplift and inspire others. Sharing both our creativity and our faith can bring light, hope, and encouragement. There is truly nothing to lose and everything to gain: joy, peace, and freedom.
As it is written:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13
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Learn More About My Painting Techniques
If you’d like to go deeper into this process and develop your own expressive style, I invite you to explore my online courses:
http://courses.moniquecarr.com
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Wishing you a beautiful and creative Spring,
Monique
9/23/2023 11:15:43 AM
It's been a while since I wrote a blog but I thought that it would be a good place to share this story.
At my recent art show opening evening at the Custom House Museum, which involved a lengthy five-hour drive to get there, an interesting and heartwarming encounter took place. The museum featured four different showrooms simultaneously, one of which was an 'arts and craft' exhibit featuring numerous local artists. As the event unfolded, it became apparent that most attendees were primarily there to support their family and friends participating in the 'arts and craft' show. Consequently, my gallery, located further back, received little attention.
However, amidst this somewhat disheartening situation, a remarkable moment occurred. A blind man entered my gallery, navigating with the aid of a white cane and wearing red-tinted glasses. He closely examined each of my paintings, one by one. Then, he approached me and shared his profound appreciation for my work. He explained that he suffered from macular degeneration, which severely limited his ability to see, particularly colors. Despite this challenge, he conveyed his admiration for my art, emphasizing the remarkable contrast between light and dark in my paintings and the compelling design they possessed. It was a compliment that left a lasting impact on me, and it made the entire event incredibly worthwhile.
These images on the right represent what the blind man was seeing. This is why the values (dark and light), the contrast and the design are so important in a painting. It doesn't matter if the work is abstract or representational. These elements are the primary backbone of the work. The colors are secondary.
The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This verse encourages me to trust in God's presence and plan, even when faced with discouragement. I feel that God put this blind man in my path for a reason.
From my heart to yours,
Monique ❤️
4/7/2020 7:40:59 PM
As an artist, I need to keep creating art (sales or no sales), encouraging others, praying, cooking, exercising…Also, sharing…I want to share with you my 5 rules to help my creativity:
- EXPERIMENT
- BE FEARLESS
- BE ENERGETIC
- BE SPONTANEOUS
- HAVE FUN!
It’s all about our attitude.
I like to do a small quick painting before doing a big one. Here is a 6X6" sketch.
Step 1: On a 24"X36" canvas, I started a quick wash in acrylic.
Step 2: I continued adding layers of colors and more textures, all in acrylic.
Step 3: I finished it with oil paint. Royal, 24"X36"
In these uncharted waters, I am reminded that our true work is not our job but rather, protect each other and love one another. It seems to me that this crisis is a ‘reset’ button of what needs to be my priorities. Perhaps a deeper relationship with God that will extend far beyond the pandemic of COVID-19.
The Bible says in Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear… I find these words very comforting today.
Easter season is a good time to remember God’s greatest gift to us. Let’s remember why His son, Jesus, gave His life to save us. Death on the cross was not the end. Indeed…this is the greatest gift of all, He gave us ETERNAL LIFE!
It’s all about our attitude. Stay positive and keep doing your creative work, it’s what gives moments of beauty and joy to others.
From my heart to yours, I wish you all a Happy Easter.
Monique XXX
moniquecarr.com
12/9/2019 8:24:28 AM
When I create an abstract landscape, I’m changing what is real and use my imagination to recreate my own magical scene.
- By using expressive brush strokes and mark-making
Below is my process to create my landscape; from my underpainting (in acrylic) to my final painting (in oil).
1-2-3: Acrylic
4-5-6: Oil
Cadence River, oil on canvas, 48"H X 30"W (SOLD! Thanks to Alta Vista Gallery)
During this busy time of the season, we can quickly forget the true reason for celebration. My prayer this week is “Lord, open my heart to the wonder of the birth of Christ and the hope He brings us.”
I am wishing you the magic of Christmas; joy, peace and a merry heart.
“A merry heart does good like medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22
With Love,
Monique
PS: Want to learn more about my process? Check out my online course HERE.
12/20/2018 4:56:29 PM
Before I start painting, I’m thinking way ahead about my color choice. I use some paint color samples to help me make a good decision.
I prefer to paint with a limited palette, specially with oil and cold wax. I usually use cool and warm colors, and a couple neutrals, one cool and one warm. I also premix several values, light, medium and dark. .
The magic happens when the paint is applied on the surface.
Many layers of oil and cold wax are applied in order to play with texture.
Then, it's the process of editing and knowing when it's done.
'Rest Ashore', oil and cold wax on panel, 24"X24"
During this busy time of the season, we can quickly forget the true reason for celebration. The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! I am wishing you the magic of Christmas; joy, peace and a merry heart.
“A merry heart does good like medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22
With Love,
Monique XX
