Carol Santora | Kennebunk, Maine USA
A genuine love for animals resonates in the pastel paintings of internationally-recognized, award-winning animal artist Carol Santora, whose animal paintings have gained enthusiastic recognition in this country, Canada, and Europe.
A Signature Member of the prestigious Pastel Society of America (PSA), Santora is best known for her Expressionistic and soulful animal and wildlife paintings. From colorful, intimate close-ups of cows, horses, big cats and moose, to fanciful groupings of cattle and heart-warming commissions of cherished family pets, Santora captures the spirit and unique personality of the animals she paints. Vibrant colors convey a sense of vitality in her work while her contemporary style communicates her personal vision.
Although her portfolio occasionally includes boat scenes, Santora (BFA, Framingham State College) has had a life-long love for animals and wildlife, and wanted to become an artist even as a young child. Santora credits her husband for supporting and encouraging her desire to pursue art. She began her formal art education in 1983 while working as a registered nurse; in 1996, she embarked on her art career full time.
Santora realized early on as an artist that she had a special gift for animal portraiture. Her goal in painting an animal is to express her passion for it with excitement and energy by pushing the boundaries of color. At home with several media, Santora is a true colorist, preferring soft pastel because of its clean, intense pigmentation that allows her to create her sensitive, insightful interpretations.
For Santora, each painting begins with a foundation of thorough research that includes taking hundreds of photographs to work from at repeated site visits to farms and rescues all over the United States. For example, to learn about horses Santora participates in a weekly workshop grooming and working with the mustangs at the Ever After Mustang Rescue, Biddeford. Santora’s work is grounded in representation, yet she is not bound by that. As she works, a completely realistic depiction gives way to a more artistic, contemporary rendering that serves her colorist and expressive purposes.
Santora’s work can be found in private collections across the United States, Canada and Europe and has exhibited in numerous regional, national and international shows. She has garnered over 4 dozen awards including several First Place, Peoples Choice and ‘Best in Show’ awards.
