Meet Carole Poole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carole Poole.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Opelika, Alabama into a family of artisans, preachers and musicians, I graduated from Auburn University with a BS degree in Art Education and then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where my husband of 47 years and I raised our five children. Over the years, I have worked in graphic design and advertising and have taught art in a number of venues including Cobb County School District.

At this point in my life, I am predominately a watercolor artist. I paint in a traditional style, often using the play of sunlight and shadows to create interest. Many times my subject matter consists of everyday objects that most people would never notice. I’m always looking for ways to reveal the beauty of God’s amazing world. Funny to say, but the original reason I chose watercolor over other mediums was because of the quick clean-up! Having 5 children, all interested in trying out my paints…watercolor just made life much easier for me! However, in no time, I realized I chose it for many other reasons. I love the vibrant, luminous quality that transparent watercolor gives me.

With that said, over the years as an artist, I have also painted in oil and acrylics and have spent many years as a tile and furniture painter. Ceramics are a great interest of mine and I have created and sold literally thousands of original tiles and hand-shaped figures which I fire in my kiln. I have also painted wall murals in many Georgia schools over the years.

Please tell us about your art.
I am a creator, a crafter, an artist. I continually imagine things I can make. Most of the time, the process of making the thing is more satisfying than actually beholding the finished product! I have created “things” for over 50 years. Quite often people will tell me they own a craft or a painting that I created. It is truly satisfying to hear that they have received joy from my simple visions.

My art is published in the Northlight book series “The Art of Drawing” and “Splash18, The Best of Watercolor”. My work has been juried into numerous shows and exhibitions and has won many regional and national awards. I am a Signature Member of the Southern, Alabama and Georgia Watercolor Societies. I am also a Member of Excellence with the Atlanta Artists Center.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I have taught art to children and adults and both are very rewarding. Without fail, the first thing I hear is “I can’t draw…I have no talent at all”. But I firmly believe that can’t be possible! I believe everyone is born with some kind of creative talent. The sad part is that somewhere along the path of life, they lose that creative desire. Either because they “feel” like a failure when they try to create or because they have been “told” they have no talent. Therefore they give up. Introducing art to a preschooler is a VERY important role. Asking a child to color within the lines is a faux pas in my book. And I never “compare” artistic endeavors! Simply holding up one child’s drawing in a classroom and praising it for being perfect is a slam to the creative efforts of the other children. The number one thing I try to tell my students is “There are no mistakes in art”. Anything you create with an effort toward imagination, beauty or inspiration is art!!! Many times, the creator becomes caught up in the technical part of the process so they quickly give up before they reach their goal. I say keep going! Complete your process. There is no wrong or right way! And don’t ever compare yourself to another artist. How boring would the art world be if we all painted just alike! There’s room for all of us and we can learn from each other.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently, I am busy with my Etsy shop where I sell crafts and paintings. The biggest part of my shop consists of my commissioned watercolor Home Portraits, which people can order from me by sending me pictures of their home to be transformed into a painting. They can find me at https://www.etsy.com/shop/carolepoolegallery

I post my latest work to my blog often, and try to give instruction or advice on how to use and enjoy watercolor.
http://thepaintingpage.blogspot.com/

I post my art and latest activities to my Instagram and Facebook pages:
https://www.instagram.com/carolepoolegallery/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/Carole-Poole-Gallery-92360179221/?ref=hl

I show my art in many Atlanta area galleries and venues including:
The Atlanta Artist Center : https://atlantaartistscenter.org/wp/
Roswell Fine Arts Alliance : http://www.rfaa.org/
SWS : http://www.southernwatercolorsociety.org/
WSA: https://watercolorsocietyofal.org/
GWS: http://georgiawatercolorsociety.com/

Contact Info:

• Email: carolepoolegallery@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolepoolegallery/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carole-Poole-Gallery-92360179221/?ref=hl
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaroleSPoole

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.