CAROL HAMILTON
ARTIST
~Artist Statement~
When I paint it is a total indulgence of a passion. I like to produce my vision of something beautiful and uplifting to ones' senses. The finished product of my work has to make me feel both exhilarated and content. I always try to produce a painting that is both versatile and stunning. My challenge is to adapt the painting to any environment. When a piece of art is commissioned it is a lot easier because you know where it will hang.
Many of my paintings are often inspired by something which simply catches my eye. Whether it be a bowl, vase, or floral arrangement, I begin by seeing it in my mind. I may either draw it first and then put it on a canvas or sometimes go directly to the canvas itself. I feel when something is spontaneous the painting speaks to you more and seems to have more life. This spontaneity brings out my true passion in a piece with no holds bar.
My work to date has been mostly transitional /contemporary which is a very versatile style. Most people can imagine one of my pieces in their homes without changing the furniture to match. My love for flowers and all that is natural is something I have always been comfortable around. As nature is part of our surroundings, it is easy for us to identify and fall in love with the painting.
At a glance, one can quickly know if they like the painting or not. The reason I paint the subjects I do is so most people can enjoy what they are seeing and take the next step to own an original piece of art. This in itself educates people to explore the arts and all that encompasses it. Painting is my passion and this is what drives me to continue. It is an extension of who I am.
~Portfolio~
Born and raised in Quebec City, art has always been a big part of my life. Still-life is what I enjoy and do most in acrylic or water-color. My commission work has been the basis of my exposure, but living in Oakville since 1981 my art has flourished. Oakville has been very accepting of my work and a few choice shops carry it on a regular basis. I hope my art inspires something within you every time you look at it.
Feature Artist: Local Artist Carol Hamilton
By: Melanie Cummings
Painting, like learning a new language, requires daily effort, according to self-taught artist Carol Hamilton. if I didn't paint daily I wouldn't be a good painter, said Hamilton who has lived in Oakville since 1981. For the past six years, the North Oakville artist has endeavored for hours in her home studio, plying oil and acrylic to canvas, learning to perfect her strokes, and steadily creating art for an ever-growing group of fans. It's a medium that comes easily to her. I can look at it, see it and do it, I'm grateful for this ability. Portraits are another story...., she humbly added.
Painting is a return to her childhood past-time. Art has always been a big part of my life. Hamilton lived in Quebec City where exposure to the fine arts was constant, expected, and revered. Now, in her middle 50s with her children grown and newly retired, she has more time to dedicate to recreating two-dimensional still life and florals.
While Hamilton credits luck with her success to date, it is her talent to translate intricacies of light and colour onto the canvas and for giving inanimate objects intrigue and serenity that has contributed to her building fan base. Hamilton describes her work as simple. She paints pieces that evoke warmth, comfort and calmness in a world all too muddled with abundant to-do lists and races against time.
Her subjects are likely an extension of her love of gardening and nature. Just to get through the winter, she draws on beach scenes to infuse colour and bring the sun back into her days. Homeowners have commissioned Hamilton to paint large-scale canvasses from four panels each four feet by four feet in size of pears and apples, to a three-foot by five-foot peony. Each looked so beautiful in their destined homes. With the different light sources reflecting on them it brought out a whole new aspect than I had seen in my studio at home. Said Hamilton
Her work is also on display in likely and unlikely venues throughout town: as showcased pieces in galleries or accentuating walls in area restaurants. Paradiso Restaurant on Lakeshore Road initially gave Hamilton the opportunity to go public with her artwork. Since then, her canvases have graced Timothys Coffee House, Finials in Bronte Village is currently on display at Seasons Restaurant, Winterberry Lane, an upscale antique shop and art store, as well as A Day in the Country, where she was formerly the gallery's artist in residence. Hamiltons art has also made its way across the world, to Russia, England, parts of the U.S., and many cities across Canada. She has also donated and auctioned pieces off to raise funds for the Walk to fight Breast cancer.
I hope my art inspires something within people every time they look at it. Ensuring its affordable is equally as important to Hamilton. She attributes her gaining popularity strictly to luck and living in a town that demonstrates its true appreciation for art. "Oakville has been very supportive of me and my work" {END}