Discovering the Beauty of Carrie Baines at Western Art Gallery

Mar 27

2 min read

Beauty in the Average

This month, Western Art Gallery is thrilled to showcase a master of color and depth: Carrie Baines. Carrie is an oil painter who creates stunning paintings of everyday life. Her focus spans landscapes, animals, cityscapes, and even the occasional golf course. With calculated composition, intentional brushwork, and atmospheric perspective, Carrie crafts spectacular works of art that resonate with viewers.

Early Life and Education

Carrie's journey in art began in Billings, Montana. Her father, an occasional oil painter, introduced her to the world of painting by giving her his old supplies when she was just a child. She is largely self-taught, honing her skills on inexpensive canvas panels. Eventually, her talent earned her a scholarship to the School of Art at Montana State University in Bozeman. While she now reflects that majoring in Graphic Design might have been more practical, she chose to focus on Fine Arts, emphasizing oil painting.

Career and Artistic Shift

Carrie's professional path took her to Park City, Utah, where she spent four years at an advertising agency. Afterward, she moved to Boulder, Colorado, and worked as an art director for a trade magazine in Loveland. Once she became a mother, she transitioned to freelance graphic design. However, her passion for oil painting soon took center stage in her life.

Inspiration and Artistic Philosophy

Carrie's interest in art ignited at age eight with a paint-by-number set. Her philosophy revolves around finding beauty in the "average." Here are some key aspects of her artistic approach:

Subject Matter: She prefers everyday subjects, such as average cows instead of magnificent steers. Inspiration strikes her almost everywhere she goes.
Focus: Carrie believes the best works emerge from ordinary subjects illuminated by beautiful light or conditions.
Key Elements: Once she selects a composition, she prioritizes light and color as the most critical elements of her work.

Recent and Upcoming Works

Carrie has been busy creating a variety of pieces. Here are some highlights:

Completed Works: A serene forest scene, a lively art gallery scene, animal portraits, and a large abstract piece.
In Progress: Currently, she is preparing to begin a painting of the Breckenridge ski resort, which promises to capture the area's stunning beauty.

Some of Her Available Works

Fergus

24"x36"

A-Basin

40"x30"

Shemp

18"x24"

Beach Glass

30"x40"

Pippa

24"x18"

Experience Pieces in Person

There's nothing quite like seeing works of art in person. You can truly feel the texture and scale of these oil paintings. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a new admirer, I invite you to explore Carrie's artwork at the gallery. You can also see all of her paintings at Baines Gallery.