Biography
“I consider art as perhaps humanity’s most essential and universal language. It is not a frill, but a necessary part of communication.” -unknown
I grew up in Dawson, Georgia, the third of five children. My mother was an amateur painter. Two of her siblings were well-known professional artists. I can't recall a time in my life when I wasn't participating in the arts, beginning
with painting lessons as a young child.
I studied art at the University of South Florida and the University of Georgia, earning a BS from the University of Georgia in art education. After college, I married John M. Carlton, Jr. and we reside in his hometown, Moultrie, GA where he practices law. We have two grown, married daughters and three grandchildren.
Since graduation, I've continued the study of art at Valdosta State University, Savannah College of Art and Design and in numerous workshops. During this time I've worked on 3-D art including basket-making, pottery, printmaking, clay and paper mache sculptures and masks, collages, and later, painting. In addition to teaching art in the surrounding school systems, I have taught middle school aged kids with severe emotional problems.
I have taught art to all ages in many situations for the last 40 years. Eight years ago I had several cervical spinal surgeries. Afterwards, I was physically unable to continue teaching art in the schools or continue the 3-D art I'd always created, exhibited and taught.
After the surgeries I was more anxious than ever to "do art". In an effort to find a way to express myself, I studied watercolor with Joe McFadden at the Florida Art Center and Gallery in Havana, FL. I fell in love with watercolors and found a new approach to the world of creativity.
I've been fortunate to travel and study with several top U.S. watercolorists, including Tony Couch, Alan Flattman, Joye Moon, Don Andrews, Barbara Nechis, Gerald Brommer, Lien Zhen, Virginia Cobb, Frank Webb, Stephen Quiller, and Pat Weaver. They each have their own special techniques. My paintings are influenced a bit from each, plus a lifetime being a visual person with my own interpretation which is expressed in my painting at home every day.
My work has been exhibited in numerous regional one-man and group shows, including the Tallahassee Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Georgia Artists With Disabilities, & the 2008 Women of the Pen Exhibit, Atlanta Branch. These shows have resulted in a number of recognitions and prizes. My work is in a number of galleries and corporate collections. It can be seen on my website, annacarltonart.com, Gadsden Arts Center, Market on the Square and Craft Works in Moultrie and www.FlintRiverGallery.com. I have achieved Signature status in Tallahassee Watercolor Society and Southern Watercolor Society. Most recently, I've had my work in the Paint America Top 200 and Paint the Parks 100.
Galleries
Gift Shop, Gadsden Arts Center |
Quincy, Florida |
Framing by Craft Works |
Moultrie, Georgia |
Turner Center for the Arts |
Valdosta, Georgia |
Tap Roots Gallery |
Located in Market on the Square, Moultrie, Georgia |
Prickly Pear |
Mexico Beach, Florida |