Original Watercolor Paintings and Prints
I am a soul-centered watercolor artist devoted to revealing the living spirit within every subject I paint—whether a beloved pet, a wild creature, or the quiet poetry held within architectural forms. My work seeks to draw the soul forward, inviting viewers into a deeper, more intimate connection with the beings and places we often pass by too quickly.Through my art, I aim to mend and enrich the bond between ourselves and the natural world. Each portrait and every carefully observed subject is an invitation to remember the wonder that roots us to one another and to the earth.With numerous awards and exhibitions, I continue to create work that invites reflection, evokes emotion, and opens a pathway to inner discovery. My paintings are meant to awaken a sense of presence—allowing us to see the astonishing world both around us and within us.Painting in watercolor is, for me, a collaboration with the elements themselves. Water, pigment, light, and time move through me in a fluid dance, revealing truths. In these moments of surrender and epiphany, the soul of the subject comes forward, and I become the witness who simply gives it form.
Gallery
This watercolor painting is my tribute to Chief Joseph. As I worked, I let the colors be guided by the spirit I felt surrounding this remarkable leader—allowing intuition, rather than strict realism, to shape the tones in his face, the sweep of the feathers, and the quiet strength in his expression.My artistic philosophy is that art should serve as a bridge between the visible world and the deeper truths beneath it. With that in mind, I painted not just what I saw, but what I sensed: dignity, resilience, and a profound calm.The finished piece now resides in a resort on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho—possibly near places this great chief once walked. I’m grateful knowing that the painting lives in a landscape connected to the history and spirit that inspired it.
Original Watercolor Paintings and Prints
I paint a wide variety of subjects, each chosen for its ability to spark emotion and connect people to the world around them. My work ranges from expressive human portraits to dynamic wildlife portraits. I let each subject guide me, allowing the artwork to develop its own character—sometimes powerful and full of motion, other times quiet and evocative.Whether I’m capturing the spirit and energy of wildlife, the depth of human expression, or the interplay of color, shape, and texture, my goal is always the same: to create art that resonates, inspires, and brings a compelling visual presence to any space.
Contact Artist
Carol Montoya
(253) 830-4566