Carolyn H. Edlund’s paintings celebrate the quiet, serene beauty that can be found in nature. Born in Rhode Island and currently based in New York State’s Hudson Valley, Edlund is a renowned artist both locally and internationally, with her works found in collections in Canada, England, Germany, France, Italy, and the United States.
Having studied painting with C. Gordon Harris, Nguyen Tri Minh, Franklin Alexander, and at the Woodstock Art Students League, Edlund’s paintings are created with a high level of technical skill and quality. Her eye for detail and draughtsmanship have also won her accolades over the years, and in October 2018 she was a recipient of the Dutchess County Executive Arts Award for Individual Artist.
“I choose to work in a style that creates an intimate experience for my viewers,” reflected Edlund in a piece published on Chisholm Gallery’s website. “The size emphasizes the importance of each brushstroke.”
Using traditional techniques and employing watercolors and oils, she creates landscapes with atmosphere and depth. These mediums also allow her to portray the ephemeral beauty of our world in a lasting manner.
While celebrating the beauty of the natural world, Edlund’s work also pays homage to the craft of painting itself. “I value the characteristics present in composition, varied textures, and the power of light and color,” she says. “I intend for the stillness of my scenes to bring to mind times long past, and the luminosity to suggest a slight enchantment.”
According to Edlund, many viewers treat the paintings as a form of escape, following their meandering paths as they seek adventure. And yet, some find the scenes familiar, reminding them perhaps of the backyard they grew up in or a road they took once.
