I have always been drawn to bright colors and started sketching at an early age. Summers seemed long and boring in rural Ohio, so I sat on the front porch and drew everything that caught my eye. Weird child that I was, I actually anticipated going back to school each fall. I loved the annual shopping spree where I could select fresh unused crayons, maybe a colorful ruler, a new pencil box and crisp unwrinkled sheets of notepaper. I still get excited over colors, markers and crisp sheets of paper and love trying out different art supplies.

I don't remember a time when I haven't enjoyed working with my hands and creating something out of nothing. Over the years I have tried a little of everything (crepe paper flowermaking, basket weaving, stained glass, scrapbooking, cardmaking, decorative sewing, craft painting, etc.). If too many days go by and I'm not working on something, my fingers literally feel withdrawal and I have to get busy!

Since retiring, I have been able to spend more time painting on a regular basis. For the past five years, I have focused primarily on watercolors with a controlled, realistic style. Recently, I became intrigued with mixed media and am working with acrylics in a more free-flowing fashion. Going from a very structured, planned approach to a large blank canvas is intimidating but liberating. I'm also interested in collage and plan to incorporate found objects with color, paper, and shapes to tell a story.

Although mostly self-taught, I have taken a variety of courses and workshops over the years and rely on many good art books. I am currently active with the Cumberland Art Society and the Upper Cumberland Art Alliance.

To me, Picasso sums it up by saying, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

Contact Information

Carol Ludgate, Cookeville TN

931-520-6355