Carol Burford, November Artist of the
Marianne Graff
The PebbleCreek Art Club is pleased to honor Carol Burford with our Artist of the Month award for November. Carol is a native of Southern California; she moved to Pleasanton, California in 1975 and then to PebbleCreek in 1997. From the time she was a child, Carol has always loved to draw. When her four children were small she took an evening oil painting class. She was so excited about painting that after class, at 10:00 p.m., she would arrive home and continue painting for hours. After one such late night, her children woke up before her and decided to “improve” her painting of a Spanish Dancer by adding much brighter lips! Needless to say, that pretty much ended her painting days for some time.
Since moving to PebbleCreek, Carol has resumed painting enthusiastically. She began by faux painting walls, then creating murals and ultimately taking up painting in acrylic. Carol is attracted to acrylic paint because there are no chemicals involved, it dries fast and she loves the bright colors. She favors painting old Spanish missions and buildings, landscapes and figures. Carol attributes her success to Bonnie Kitchens, known not only for her beautiful, very vibrant and colorful paintings, but also for her very popular classes currently offered to PebbleCreek residents. Carol has also studied with Hugh Greer, Ron Drake, Bill Cupit, and other noted painters.
Carol and her husband, Tom, began traveling in 2003 with their fifth wheel RV throughout the United States and Canada. Together they explored the east and west coasts and many states in between, taking thousands of photos that have inspired Carol’s paintings.
Several years ago, Carol heard about painting with alcohol ink and was intrigued. She took an online course and, ever since, pursuing this path has become a passion. Alcohol ink is a medium which must be applied on a non-porous surface such as tile, glass or a suitably prepared canvas. Carol has been experimenting with many different products: making artful pendants, coaster sets, specialty gifts and paintings. Her favorite subjects include delicate renderings of florals and butterflies created in stunning colors.
Carol is a dynamic Creeker: she is an active member of the Art Club who exhibits in the Expressions Gallery and participates in our art shows and exhibits. Along with her husband, she has belonged to the PC Rovin’ Pebbles RV Club receiving an award for volunteering in 2017, and served with him as co-president of the Ballroom Dance Club. Carol is featured in the photo above with her painting of a building at the Grand Canyon titled, Look Out Studio. You are invited to view more of Carol’s art works in the Creative Arts Center and in the Eagle’s Nest and Tuscany Falls clubhouses.