Carol Bower

Artist's Statement, Biography

"For me art is a sentimental journey. It is the recording of feelings and impressions I have at a particular time and place. Through the language of art I can express the joy I feel when creating a magical world with unlimited possibilities for combining colors, shapes, lines, and textures. I particularly enjoy painting outdoors, or Plein Air, where the elements of weather intuitively contribute to the dynamics of the final piece."

After graduating with a B.A. in graphic design from California State University, Northridge in 1972, and attending classes at Art Center College of Design, Carol spent a few years with a Los Angeles advertising agency producing advertising and brochures for Weight Watchers of Los Angeles, KFAC Classical Radio, and Royal Pools; then moved to Northern California where she was a graphic design contractor for Apple Computer, Tandem Computers, and Hewlett Packard. She later worked in the Corporate Graphics Department of Ampex Corporation.

During the 1980's she studied marketing through a San Jose State University Extension program, and became a marketing communications manager for Amdahl's Continuing Education program. This was followed by two decades at various startup companies managing new product campaigns and trade shows.

Carol used her art skills throughout her working career, also attending art classes whenever possible. In 1995 she trained to become a docent at the San Jose Museum of Art, and for two years led weekly tours of exhibits at the museum. In 2000 she participated in Silicon Valley Open Studios. In 2007 she retired and began painting plein air on a regular basis, and established a web site at www.carolbower.com where her paintings and photographs can be viewed.

Education
California State University, Northridge, CA
BA, Graphic Design

Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA
Advertising Design

San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
Marketing Communications

 
Workshops/Classes
Ray Mendietta, MFA, Portrait, Landscape Painter
Barbara Bailey-Porter, MFA, Plein Air Painter
Michael Azgour, MFA: Abstract Figurative Painter
Lucy Cain Sargeant, MFA: Portraits, Still Life, Landscape
William Rushton, MA, Member of The Outsiders: Plein-Air Painter

Selected Group Exhibitions/Competitions
2010 "Fresh Paint," Los Gatos Art in the Council Chambers, Los Gatos, CA
2010 "LGAA Plein Air Artists," Main Street Cafe and Books, Los Altos, CA
2010 "Etch, Sketch, Stroke," Los Gatos Plein Air Painters Exhibition, The Art Museum of Los Gatos, Los Gatos, CA
2010 "Abstractions--in perception or reality," Honorable Mention for 8"x10" Photograph Modern Scrolls, Pacific Art League, Juried Exhibition. Image also selected for reception postcard graphic.
2009 "Silver Mountain Vineyards," Group Tasting Room Exhibit, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
2009 "Los Gatos Art Association Member Juried Show '09," The Art Museum of Los Gatos, Los Gatos, CA
2009 "Vine To Wine," Forbes Mill History Museum, Los Gatos, CA
2009 "Six LGAA Artists Exhibit," Health and Wellness Spa, San Jose, CA
2009 "Vintners Festival/LGAA Plein-Air Painters," Black Ridge Winery, Los Gatos, CA
2009 "14 Plein Air Artists, A Tribute to Nick White," Main Street Cafe and Books, Los Altos, CA
2009 "Touch My Heart," The Art Museum of Los Gatos, Los Gatos, CA
2008 "A Breath of Plein Air," Leonard and David McKay Gallery, San Jose, CA


Selected Solo Exhibitions
2000 Silicon Valley Open Studios, San Jose, CA
2000 Borders Cafe, Los Gatos, CA

Affiliations
2010 Los Gatos Art Association, Los Gatos, CA
Program Chair

1995-1996 San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, CA
Docent