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145 Main Street, suite 202
Groton, MA 01450
USA
Megan Carty is a Boston area contemporary abstract artist exploring themes of triumph over hardship. Her paintings feature flowers, animals and birds purposely left unfinished as a metaphor for the ever-evolving and improving human condition. We are alway "in progress." Choose from original paintings, fine art giclee prints, custom commissions, or giftable products.
This is my son, Noah. He's 4 years old and he's got the most sensitive soul. He feels so deeply and absorbs everything around him. He's also my little imp; he's incredibly stubborn and sneaky. He's just the best and I'm lucky to be his mom. He's always rooting for me saying "you're a great artist Mom! Let's sell some paintings today!"
Here's a little sneak peek of my latest floral bouquet painting. This one is a small one at 11x14 size but it really packs a colorful punch if I do say so myself! You'll see that even when a flower is pink you can look closely at the colors and see reds in the shadows. I love that about color. It's so sneaky! I hope to have this one up for sale soon; along with some other smaller pieces. Subscribe to my newsletter if you would like to know when these are going to release ahead of time.
I’ve just signed a contract with a large art manufacturer called METcolors to license my paintings with them for wall decor and other home goods for sale in retail stores AROUND THE GLOBE! This is something that came to me by luck and chance; but it’s something I used to wish for back when I thought it wasn’t possible. It’s funny how we sometimes close the door on our biggest dreams because they seem so unattainable. What makes us stop trying?
Not all that long ago, I started daring to dream again. I started writing my biggest wishes for my work on a piece of paper that I have taped on the wall next to my desk. One of the notes says: “Get art in stores...wall decor, pillows, purses, etc.” About a week later I got an email from a stranger asking me if I was interested in considering licensing my artwork with her company for wall decor, pillows and a few other items. WHAT?!
Contracts and many questions on my part later, I am now a licensed artist and my scrawled note on my wall has come to life. Soon you may see my work in a store near you! What are your biggest wishes for your life? Make sure you put them out there…write them down so they have a chance to grow where you planted them!
Here I am doing my cheesy victory dance! Ha!
Hi friends! I'm so excited we are in the process of building my new studio space in an old garage attached to our house! Here's a little tour of what we've got so far! I hope you enjoy this sneak peek!
Yesterday was the first full day of spring! Of course, it snowed several inches here and school was cancelled. Which worked out great because everyone has that nasty stomach bug that's going around and I've been tending to sickly bodies. I picked up some flowers from Trader Joe's the other day and they are helping make all the difference today!
I am now offering custom luxury bridal bouquet paintings! I'm realizing that couples move into their new spaces together and find big sad blank walls staring at them. Now, they could put any old piece they find from a discount store on that spot and then loathe it later OR they could commission a piece of art that is sentimental, stylish, AND an heirloom.
That's where I come in! A happy couple provides a photo or two of the wedding bouquet or a floral arrangement they love and use my own abstract painterly bohemian style on a large canvas or wood panel to create their stunning one of a kind painting. It makes a colorful and uplifting impact on their home decor while helping them celebrate their marriage each day. Not to mention, it is a fantastic show-stopping conversation piece and heirloom the family can treasure for generations. These custom bouquet portraits make amazing and unique anniversary gifts, parents-of-the-bride gifts, bridesmaid gifts to the bride, or special birthday gifts. Click over HERE to learn about this exciting new offering. Be sure and sign up for my newsletter; only subscribers get special deals on commissions periodically! (there's a mint-green "sign up" tab right up there on the header on your desktop machine or at the bottom of your screen on a mobile device)
Hi friends! Today my interview on being an entrepreneur went live on the Silver Shade Group's website! It was a wonderful experience to participate and share information on a topic I'm quite passionate about! Read the interview here, and have a great day!
Hi friends! Tonight is "First Thursday" at the Portland Art Gallery in Portland, Maine...and I'm pleased to say I have 4 vibrant minimalist abstract paintings hanging! Everyone is welcome to attend; there will be refreshments and wine of course! It's from 5 to 7 pm. I'm so thrilled to be able to share my colorful work with others; it's a dream come true! Come by the gallery this month and check out all the lovely work by so many talented artists! 154 Middle Street, Portland, ME.
I finished this huge 48x48 inch painting (and it's for sale in the shop!)...I decided to style a fictional family room around the painting just to show what it might look like over a couch...what a fun little project this was to make! I definitely can see myself doing more of these in the future. Although I'm not an interior decorator, it can be fun to see what my paintings can look like out in the world!
Hi friends!
I while back I found a huge 4-foot x 4-foot canvas on a rare mega-sale and snagged it; excited to do a giant Maine nautical painting perfect for hanging over a couch. Time went by until I found the perfect image that inspired me (it had to have the right colors!) Now, I needed to create the perfect abstract background for my boat to float upon; but I just couldn't get it to look how I imagined. I used several kinds of blues and strokes; different compositions of paint, and I just couldn't get it. This is frustrating as it is, but it's also expensive when you go through so much paint! GAH!
I felt pretty dejected for a spell as I started to question my abilities and then realized that I was fighting the process. Clearly, my "plan" wasn't working out and I needed to let it go. I didn't really want to since I'd spent a few days of work and a ton of paint just to get where I was at (back to the beginning). But, like anything else in life, you cannot cling to a bad thing just because of the time you invested. I could have kept going and ended up with an ok painting I wasn't proud of. (THAT doesn't sound good!!!!) So, I got brave and simply painted over my work; but was able to let all my different layers show through. It started looking like a finished abstract painting right away; so I went in a new abstract direction. At this point I could have left it as it was, but it didn't look like my mission where I use happy bright colors to bring joy to a space. So, that's just what I did!
It's funny; but once I got started in the new direction it didn't take long to give birth to a happy finished piece! This version poured out of me in the most natural way and I couldn't be more thrilled with it!
What a journey! This finished piece titled "In the Fold" is now for sale in the "abstracts" section of the site. It's 48x48", acrylic and pastel on gallery-wrapped canvas that's 1.5" deep. The sides are painted in a deep Prussian Blue. I installed a hanging wire at the back so it's ready to go! Biggest lesson learned: it's ok to cut your losses and start again. It's never too late to start anew! Something good will come of it!
Hi friends!
Dave Conrey with The Fresh Rag Show podcast interviewed me a few weeks ago...we discussed my battles with creative burnout and what I did to fight it and win! This particular interview is the last in a trilogy where he discusses burnout with 3 different artists...one is going through it now, one has gone through it and switched gears, and then one (me) has gone through it and came back with a new strategy. All are great listens and I think will help anyone going through a "what the hell am I doing right now?" issue. Listen to my interview which aired today HERE.
Don't wait too long because Dave will eventually take down old episodes and you will only have access as a Patreon subscriber (so, either listen now or sign on through Patreon to listen to ALL of Fresh Rag's awesome and informative episodes).
I'd like to add this tidbit that I didn't discuss in my interview. I discussed finding my purpose (to bring happiness to others in my own way using paint and happy colors.) But I didn't talk about how I came to that. I've battled depression most of my life and it's an up-and-down journey. I know that surrounding myself with things I love and appreciate helps me feel a sense of joy when things are hard. As an artist, I can help uplift others through positive work I create. It's not a lot, but it's something I CAN do. If I can soothe someone or help make a space bright; then I feel like it's a win. I'm using my skills and talents to help others. I've been on the dark side and visit it often enough. So, I see it as an honor to hold someone else's hand when they need it too.
I just wanted to say that. :)
A vibrant collection of canvases painted in a bright, almost neon color scheme, was unveiled this week by Pepperell artist Megan Carty. The paintings depict a variety of Maine coastal locations and feature whimsical, abstract backgrounds to evoke the emotions viewers feel when at the seashore. Carty grew up in a seaside community similar to the ones in her paintings, and her pieces are an attempt to modernize what many artists treat in a more serious style.
To that end, Carty sees the mission of her art as delivering happiness to a growing audience. This audience is often enthralled by the scenery in her paintings and the way she substitutes jewels for watercraft in many of her landscapes. Ultimately, the release of this latest collection is the latest step in Carty’s creative journey as a local fine art professional.
“I’ve been painting for more than a dozen years, but with this latest collection I feel that I’ve found my true voice,” said Carty. “I want to spread happiness through my art…especially by sharing beautiful colors and serene visuals. A lot of people don’t appreciate how surroundings can affect mood and outlook. By using beautiful colors and familiar scenes, my art helps people feel less stressed and more cheerful.”
Her colorful acrylic works are composed in an impressionistic style that Carty admits takes a special skill to create. But she says the call to create is definitely worth the time she puts into it and the results make people happy. The images are distinctly different from traditional coastal paintings she’s seen from other artists.
“So many New England coastal paintings out there are beautiful, yet a little traditional, serious and sometimes stodgy,” said Carty. “My pieces stand out from the crowd and target a collector wanting to display more stylish work that has unique color palettes and abstract qualities while still addressing their passion for the coast.”
Carty’s work can be seen online at MeganCartyArt.com and by appointment.
ABOUT MEGAN CARTY ART: Megan Carty received her Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University in 2000 and has been creating paintings in her Pepperell, MA studio since that time. Carty is married with three children. She books custom commissions on a limited basis. Contact her via email megan@megancartyart.com to determine her availability.
The popular shopping blog showcasing all things, well, my favorite color turquoise, has featured my Blue Harbor piece today! Go check out Everything Turquoise and find some great gifts for family or treasures for yourself! Thanks so much for featuring my art Erin!!!
Hey friends!
I've been busy caring for the kiddos and squeezing in my paint time wherever I can! The coastal pieces I'm working on are a bit more time consuming than some of my other work; but I'm so excited by them. They have so much fun color and pizazz! Does anyone use that word anymore? I just did! Owning it!
I've got a few small pieces finished and now I want to work on some larger ones for variety. Challenge can be the spice of life, right? I'm planning to release just over a handful of these at the beginning of December; be sure to get on my newsletter list for the exact time and date! These are originals and once they are gone...they're gone!
Here's a little video that explains my methods for painting when you have small children at home!
Here is the start of my next painting featuring boats!
Hi friends!
I have begun a body of work featuring boats and dinghies. I just can't stay away from the coastal imagery I grew up around in Maine! I am toying with creating abstract backgrounds for the boats to float upon...I plan to use the brightest happiest colors...maybe some neon? Here's a sneak peek of the beginnings of one...I hope you like it! My "plan" is to release a series of these at the beginning of next month; be sure to tune in! Be sure to click the "sign up" button up at the top of my site to be notified of new work via my newsletter. I try to send one out once per month when something nifty is happening! Have a great day!
"The Green Camp" 12x12 " 1.5 inches thick, Acrylic on Gallery-wrapped canvas.
This year I decided to make my brother a painting as a gift for his birthday. We have many fond memories of this camp we used to rent on Togus Pond in Maine when we were children; it had been built by my great-grandfather and was handed down in the family. My Mom would rent it from her uncle for a week in the summer (and my Dad's parents would rent it too; so we would stay there!). All of my formative summer memories are of this place; it's also the place where we tearfully found out my sweet Grandmother had passed away on the night of July 4th when I was about to turn 5.
Anyway, eventually those who cared for it passed away leaving it to relatives who DID NOT care for it. It currently sits in ruin by the lake...the lawn filled in with trees, brush, and poison ivy. The house is rotted and caving in. It is truly so heartbreaking for us. I often have dreams about it in it's former glory; it weighs on my heart like a cold stone. I wanted to capture it as I remember it and share that with the one who understands. I'm happy to report he loved his painting and I couldn't be more thrilled. It's not the STUFF in our life; it's the MEMORIES that make meaning. Nothing can take that away.
Hi friends! I'm SO EXCITED about my new website here I built with Squarespace! I'm offering all kinds of new artwork for sale and an entirely new site design! I've spent the entire month of October working on it and am so thrilled to show it to you. I took all the photos of my work myself and my friend Kris Vogelsang of Cricket Acres Studio helped me with styling them. She was a huge help. My talented photographer sister-in-law Denise Carty took the photos and portraits with ME in them. I'm thrilled with her great work! She really worked with me to get exactly the kind of shots I was envisioning. We got a lot done in ONE day! And finally, my friend Emily Benson of Style by Emily came over and helped me find my signature "look" just by shopping in my very own closet! In two hours' time she helped me find several new outfits that I NEVER would have thought to put together on my own. She helped show me that I need to stay away from pale and soft neutral colors (they wash me out) and stick with vibrant jewel tones. She even looked at my accessories and made recommendations as to what I needed to get (certain shoes and necklaces in my case) to round things out. Each outfit made me feel so stylish, professional, and fancy. Yet, at the same time, I feel like ME. Just a "blingy" better version. Now, when I put in a little extra effort to add fun accessories with my bright colored outfits people really notice what I'm wearing and compliment me. What's super-great about Emily is she's so friendly, open, and honest. I felt like we'd known each other forever by the time she'd left! She even held my baby and got him to sleep while I tried things on! Talk about super-woman! She even works remotely via Skype. I highly recommend her if you are looking for style guidance. She was able to come in, assess what I was all about and zero in on a look for me so quickly it was like magic. I feel like a glam new person thanks to her! (a large feat for a Mom of 3 littles!)
Here's the first few outfits Emily had me try during our session...
Here are the rest of the looks Emily found in my closet during our session. I ended up buying some shoes and statement necklaces later at her recommendations. Boom!
I really hope you like my new website as much as I do! It is my passion to bring others happiness in some way and this place has become my online happy spot...I hope you feel a bit of that joy when you are here visiting. I'd love to hear about what kinds of things bring you joy? Leave your comment and maybe we can share some ideas on how we keep a positive feeling going!
My 30 paintings in 30 day challenge helped me uncover my love for painting florals! So, I did a whole new body of work now for sale here on my site! I found that I LOVE working with bright happy colors and I enjoy putting unique combinations together. My greater goal with my work has been to spread happiness to others and I've found that florals provide the perfect opportunity to take joyful colors and put them together in a whimsical way to create a stylish painting. The process is fun, dynamic, gestural, and joyous. Just what I want to convey! These look SO GREAT on neutral walls as a punch of color. They have so much personality!
Another cool detail? I put real Swarovski crystals on several pieces! They are so sparkly and glam looking; REAL jewelry for your walls! Who said jewels should be on your body? Bling! I'm so excited about them and I have a whole bunch of new ideas as I write this...(eeee!)
So, I hope you like them as much as I do. I don't think I will tire of making these anytime soon; more will be forthcoming! I take commissions for these if there is a size or color combo you would like for your space. Click the "contact me" section in the above menu and I'll get back with you asap! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to find out about future releases of new work so you don't miss out!
Hi friends!
I have a new line of abstract paintings that I'm so thrilled with. I definitely plan to make more. They are 18x24 watercolor on watercolor paper. I made them during times of meditation...I would clear my mind and focus on music that had chimes in it (the sort of thing you might listen to while having a massage) and I would just sit. Then, I'd dip my brush in the paint that "spoke" to me and just let it work on the paper as it wanted. I would watch the water and the paint dance together as it flowed down the page. It was quite relaxing. I would introduce another color that called to me and see how it would work itself into the mix. It was a slow process but a deliberate one. It can be hard to sit and watch when you just want to get your brush in there and smoosh things around! The magic is in the stillness.
When I am feeling stressed it can be a trigger for my chronic depression. So, to be proactive, I try to dial down my stress level through calming meditation. The paint, paper, and water help my brain go silent (and take a nice break!) while I focus on the painting process. My mind becomes still and the chatter becomes silent. Let me tell you, it is a real life-saver for me. Does it replace my depression medication? No. But, it addresses my symptom of stress head-on when I need it to. It's good as gold.
If you suffer from anxiety or stress, I highly recommend you try a soothing activity that will keep your brain still...painting is one way. Adult coloring books have become popular for this reason. Knitting, sewing, embroidery are other things that soothe too! Quieting the chatter in your mind is essential to a productive and steady life. I hope you'll give it a whirl and let me know how it goes!
