Carolyn Hancock

ARTIST STATEMENT

Do we really see the person across from us? Do we look into their eyes, study their face, decide if they are sad, loving, indifferent, engrossed in their own world? The inside person is what I try to show in my paintings.

When a painting is still only an idea, I want to bring a mood to the viewer, taking him into the heart of another person. Technique starts a painting, but with each layer of pastel, expression emerges.

My first paintings were people of other cultures — unfamiliar faces and clothing. Taking photographs in China, India, Syria, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Africa, my subjects, settings and mood varied greatly. Out of necessity, I discovered many beautiful combinations of color. I work in pastel only, using its entire range of colors, drenching some paintings in bright, rich hues and softening others with smoother, subtle shades.

My paintings are realistic, each one with a story. Maasai Mama, with her very proud profile: “Babies are carried on mother’s back, supported by her garments. Is this for protection from animals around the village, to keep mama’s hands free for work, or ease of nursing? Perhaps all three and more.”

I have studied with nationally recognized pastel artists Daniel Greene, Doug Dawson, Bob Gerbracht, Bob Rohm, Jerry Hunsinger, Anatoly Dverin and Madlyn Ann Woolwich. I hold Member of Excellence status in Southeastern Pastel Society, Atlanta, and in Pastel Society of North Florida, and have work in private collections internationally.

Contact:
hancockcb@yahoo.com
homepage: http://www.carolynhancock.com

 

Maasai Mama II
Pastel 18 x 24"

 

Fire Magnolia I
Pastel 18 x 24"

Sun Child
Pastel 9 x 12"

Kimono Colors
Pastel  24 x 18"

Morgan
Pastel  24 x 18"

Eyes to Future
Pastel  24 x 18"