Carole Boller

“Color is my day-long obsession and joy.  It washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

What could be more rewarding than the life of a painter? Beyond life’s essentials, we need only a box of paints, a few brushes, and something to paint on. With sustained passion and occasional affirmation that our efforts are worthwhile, we can live fully. For me, that means painting with enough skill to communicate clearly—perhaps even achieving moments of virtuosity.

I aim for accuracy in my work—not “tightness” or excessive detail, but a graceful looseness that still hits the mark. A painting can appear fresh and spontaneous while being precisely constructed. Looseness should describe how a painting looks, not how it is done.

In most of my paintings, I begin with foundational lines and colors that guide composition and overall design. These early marks help explore ideas without locking into one direction too soon. But once the direction is clear, I shift my focus toward accuracy and intention.

I work both in the studio and en plein air—because sometimes, a girl just has to be outside. I often paint alla prima (direct painting) using both brushes and palette knives. Primarily an oil painter, I also work in water-based media when it suits the subject. My style blends realism with impressionism, marked by vibrant colors, energetic brushwork, and a celebration of everyday beauty. I draw inspiration from the old masters while continuing to shape a voice that is uniquely my own.

“When you hold a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. Through my paintings, I want to give that world to you.”          Carole Boller