Carterville Celebration

The Carterville book cover and my pages in the book on the right--The first times my paintings have been published in a book--such an honor

"Hayton Theater" 18 x 24 original watercolor on paper SOLD

"Hampton Drugs" original watercolor on paper 18 x 24 SOLD

Last weekend my family and I traveled back to my home town of Carterville, Illinois.  A former teacher of mine, Sheri Hunter and an alumnus, Jennifer Spence launched their book on Carterville.  These two amazing ladies took on the insurmountable task of writing a book on the history of Carterville and its surrounding towns of Crainville and Cambria.  For the passed year they have been researching, writing and compiling this gem of a book.  What started as a couple hundred page book in black and white ballooned into a 400 page, full color, astounding piece of Carterville history.  The book is absolutely fabulous and I will treasure my copy. 

The book launch turned into a full blown celebration.  The festivities began with a parade, followed by an open house at the old high school--scheduled to be torn down this summer.  There was also a program based on the history of Carterville, which one of Carterville's finest, my cousin, Ryan Patrick presided as the "Master of Ceremonies".  And a crepe paper social to round out the day.  It was a fabulous day!!

Last year Sheri (co-author of the book) contacted me about contributing some watercolor paintings of Carterville to the project.  I of course was honored and said yes.  The paintings were included in the book and the originals were auctioned off during a silent auction for the book launch.  In addition the superintendent commissioned a painting of the old high school.  The 1st print of the limited edition prints was also auctioned off during the silent auction.  The original will hang in the new high school.

Top Left:  Mrs Samuel and I my high school art teacher Middle:   Jennifer Spence, Me, Sheri Hunter (J&S co-authors of the book) Right:  Ryan Patrick Master of Ceremonies aka my cousin, Bottom my paintings up for auction

Carrie

Carterville High School

Hi Everyone,

original watercolor 24 x 36 SOLD

I wanted to share with you the commissioned painting that I've been working on.  I can happily say that the client received the painting and is thrilled with it.  It was an honor to be asked to paint this piece.  I graduated from Carterville High School so this was close to my heart.  This year was the last class that will graduate from this building.  No other students will walk down the un-air-conditioned hallowed halls.  I will say after working with the super superintendent on this project that he was the perfect person to undertake building the new high school.  The new school is beautiful and he really worked hard to keep the history of the old school alive.  Some of the architectural details of the old high school have been preserved and put on display in the new school.

I'm very proud that my painting will be hung in the new school to remind everyone of Carterville's history.

Last Day for this auction June 28 SOLD

Carrie

Carterville Heritage Celebration

original watercolor on paper 18 x 24 for auction Sat. June 25th, Carterville, Illinois

original watercolor 18 x 24 up for auction Sat, June 25, Carterville, Illinois

This weekend my hometown of Carterville, Illinois is having a huge celebration.  There will be a parade, tours of the old high school that just graduated its last class, a special program celebrating the town, a book launch, a silent auction, a crepe paper social and lots more.  Some very talented ladies, Sheri Hunter and Jennifer Spence have written a book about Carterville and the surrounding towns and will be selling copies.  I had the honor of contributing some paintings to the cause.  My paintings will be auctioned during a silent auction Saturday.  It should be a fabulous time, I'm proud to say I'm a Carterville alumnus--Go Lions:)

Here is the link to the original post which gives a little more info about each painting.  Click Here

Pink Hydrangea in Bird Pitcher original watercolor on paper 8x8 BID NOW

 I also have "Pink Hydrangea in Bird Pitcher" up for auction at Daily Paintworks.  Don't miss out on this one:)

See you Monday,

Carrie

A step back in time

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

 This week I took a departure from my regular subjects.  I completed a project for my hometown.  I was approached by a former high school teacher to paint some pictures of Carterville, Illinois, circa 1940.  Mrs. H is working on a book for our hometown.  She's been hard at work with a partner Ms. S compiling photos and information so that Carterville's history is preserved.  It is a wonderful project and I'm honored to be part of it.

The first painting is the interior of Hampton Drug. I wanted it to have a vintage feel, like a hand tinted photograph.  I had a blast painting this one and stepping back in time.  I just love that soda fountain and the old cars through the window.  I also included the neon sign into the composition.  Mrs H and Ms. S actually found the sign in one of the town's downtown buildings.

The second painting is of the old movie theater.  I had few photographic references to go on for this one.  The building lacked architectural interest, so I played up the very interesting marquee and decided to paint a night scene.  I also added the car to give a sense of the time and add a focal point. 

Hope you enjoy my step back in time.  See you next week:)

Carrie
carriewallerart@gmail.com
www.carriewallerfineart.com (website)