Elaine grew up in Southern California with her 12 siblings.She and the rest of the baker’s dozen spent weekends at the beach year round and during the summer they would camp in the mountains.It was here that she developed a love for coastal landscapes and an appreciation for the natural beauty of the Golden State.She was born into a family of artists and happily anticipated that her future would involve the arts as well. High school gave her a clear initiation into developing her skills as an artist and by graduation she was awarded the school’s highest honors in ART.
While Elaine had support and goals in art, her career followed a less predictable path.Like her peers who idealistically joined the Peace Corps to “save the world” she entered the convent.During those 7 years, she became a teacher and practiced art instruction as well as was steeped in the history of classical and contemporary painters.
After completing college, she continued to teach in the Bay Area. She later married and raised 2 sons who are her most cherished “accomplishments”. During their summer breaks from teaching she continued her art education, spent time drawing and painting and gradually was able to pursue painting full time. Elaine had the good fortune, as a child, of watching her mother paint and currently having 4 other siblings who are gifted painters. Her brother, Ray Carpenter and sister Lisa live nearby, which allows them the benefit of sharing creative ideas as well as getting outdoors to explore Plein Air painting.
Her oil painting work is inspired by the French Impressionists, the Early California Plein Air artists and contemporary painters who capture the light and atmosphere of California’s rich landscapes.
Training
San Francisco Art Institute Cal State U, East Bay Holy Names University St Mary’s College, Moraga Merritt College Art Dept. Art Acadamie Chaumirie, Paris
Professional Study/Workshops
Van Waldron
Dorcas Moulton
Michael Carpenter
Ray Carpenter
