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
10/21/2025 7:13:34 AM
I’m thrilled to share a community project that’s close to my heart — “Let’s Play to Beat Breast Cancer.” This initiative grew from my personal mission to make a difference in my community by using creativity and art to uplift and inspire those in need.
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ABOUT THE PROJECT
In the U.S., one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
Many will undergo treatments that deeply affect both their physical and emotional well-being.
While support groups, therapy, and meditation are often available, there are few spaces dedicated to fun, joy, and creative play — moments that remind us of our inner light and resilience.
That’s where “Let’s Play to Beat Breast Cancer” comes in. This low-cost program, is offered by volunteer artist, Monique Carr, in collaboration with the Vero Beach Art Club and other volunteer artists, providing a stress-free, uplifting space for women currently or previously battling breast cancer to express themselves through art.
Here, participants are invited to let go of pressure and perfection — to simply play, imagine, and create. Through this process, many rediscover moments of joy, relief, and renewed hope within themselves.
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CLASSES
The “Let’s Play to Beat Breast Cancer” classes are open to women currently or previously battling breast cancer in Vero Beach Florida area.
Sessions are held on the first Sunday of each month (November through May) from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at the Vero Beach Art Club, 903 14th Ave., and are led by myself (Monique Carr) and other volunteer artists who share their time and creativity to support these women.
A $5 donation (collected at the door) is kindly requested to help cover art supplies.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. 10 spaces are available.
No experience needed; everyone can be an artist!
This program is proudly offered by volunteer artist Monique Carr, in collaboration with the Vero Beach Art Club and fellow volunteer artists.
Click HERE to download the flyer.
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INSPIRATION BEHIND THE PROJECT
My dear friend and fellow artist Francoise Lama-Solet was the inspiration behind this movement. She founded the “Let’s Play to Beat Breast Cancer” Community Project in Johns Creek, Georgia, and reached out to me to help expand the initiative across the U.S. Click here to read Francoise blog.
Having recently witnessed close friends and a family member face breast cancer, I felt their pain and wanted to do more than just watch — I wanted to bring light and joy into their lives through the healing power of art.
My hope is to reach women in my own community and offer them a spark of joy, a moment of peace, and a chance to reconnect with themselves through creativity.
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A STORY OF HEALING
“When I was diagnosed and became really sick, I was also caring for my ill family members. I was overwhelmed. Then Francoise looked at me and said, ‘You need to come, play, and paint with me — just come and play.’
So, I did. We painted, played, and laughed. In those moments, the weight I was carrying lifted. You told me, ‘Breathe, have fun, just do it.’ And I did.
Those sessions gave me a new perspective. I discovered a creative side I didn’t know I had. I’m still painting today. It became a healing process — I found myself through it. I’m a different person now: less stressed, more at peace. And when I feel stressed, I go to my easel and paint.
Not only did Francoise help me, but she also helped bring out my husband’s creativity too.”
— Linda H.
JOIN US - VOLUNTEER OR SPREAD THE WORD
We’re looking for volunteers, artists, and supporters who want to make a difference!
You can help by:
• Sharing information about the program with women affected by breast cancer
• Connecting us with local facilities or businesses
• Volunteering your time or artistic skills
If you’d like to get involved, please contact me at [email protected].
Together, we can bring more light, laughter, and healing into women’s lives — one playful brushstroke at a time.
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ART SUPPLIES WISH LIST
As the artists teaching the classes are all volunteers, we appreciate any donations for art supplies. Here is a wish list:
- Gift cards from arts & crafts stores: Michaels, Blick Art Materials
- Canvas and canvas panels size 8"x 10"
- 140lb Watercolor paper pads size 9” x 12”
- Acrylic paints
- Acrylic inks
- Palette knives
- Flat brushes in different sizes
- Round brushes in different sizes
- Chip brush 1” and 2”
- Blue masking tape
- Paint markers
- Small spray bottles
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Paper towels
- Paper plates
Contact me at [email protected] if you would like to make a donation.
Click HERE to register
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.
