Artist Profile

Carole Haan

Novato, CA

My journey as a water colorist began in Mexico in 2006 when I took a 2-hour watercolor class. Since I first put water on the paper, and my hand to the brush, my head and heart have been filled with the wonder of this unpredictable medium. When drawing or painting I find that I enter a different realm where I slow to a pace that allows my creative self to find expression and exhilaration; it is a constant source of pleasure to watch a painting go through its metamorphosis and come to life (not uncommon for it to lead the way for me to follow). I am amazed at how shapes and colors have gained a new clarity, intensity and subtlety: I have become more aware of my surroundings and the visual surprises offered as I walk through our world. My subjects are diverse owing to my varied interests.,

I have always had an active imagination and a creative side. When I was 3 - 4 yrs my Dad began asking me to pick out pictures I liked - at Christmas there would always be a gaily wrapped bank check box filled with a small wooden jig puzzle with the picture I had selected. That was the beginning of creativity. Later in 2nd + 3rd grades I made forts, miniature houses, and landscapes with the construction material culled from the house my parents were building. In my mid-20s I made pen/ink sketches, and began working in the office of an architect(s) and a landscape architect.. In my 30's-40's I was a prop mistress for several local theaters; I so enjoyed creating the various required props. In my 50's I built rock walls in my rear garden and created a peaceful garden away from the outside world.. I n my 60's I joined a local artist society where I served on the Board(s), and headed the reception committee. In my early 70's I took time off from painting and designed/created a wonderful front yard garden with a dry stream bed with the help of a wonderful friend. I have now joined MOCA and will begin anew my painting escape from the maddening world - what a wonderful peace gardening and painting can off offer us.