50 Over 50: Gratitude - Elaine Carr's Colorful Compositions
- Kristine Schomaker
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
At 72, Elaine Carr is painting with gratitude. They lean towards more positive themes now. Their paintings tend to be a composition of beautiful colors that most times seem animated.
Known for their bold colors and sometimes playful themes, Elaine's paintings are colorful compositions of still life, landscapes, and portraiture. They're primarily self-taught, having painted since childhood, but now in their retirement years they paint with a goal of creating works that evoke good emotions.
What's actually hard about being an artist at this point? Not finding a market for older artists as much.
Someone just turned 50 and wants to start making art—what do they tell them? Use acrylic paint. It's so forgiving. Don't stress.
Do they try to keep up with what matters in the art world? They don't. They paint from their heart and soul.
What do artists their age bring to the table that younger artists don't? Experience. Less worry about the outcome.
What are they working on next? Portraits and landscapes. Serenity and peace.
What keeps them going when everything feels impossible? Gratitude. Music. Nature walks.
What do they wish they'd known when they were younger? Not to listen to naysayers. That people-pleasing can stifle creativity.
Making art after 50? It's wonderful, relaxing and will keep you sane.
They have participated in several group exhibits at local colleges and independent galleries. In their retirement years, their artwork has sold to private parties.
At 72, they're painting with gratitude. They lean towards more positive themes. Bold colors, sometimes playful. Portraits, landscapes, serenity and peace.
They don't try to keep up with the art world. They paint from their heart and soul. Experience. Less worry about the outcome.
Use acrylic paint. It's so forgiving. Don't stress. Don't listen to naysayers. People-pleasing can stifle creativity.
Gratitude. Music. Nature walks.
It's wonderful, relaxing and will keep you sane.
Connect with Elaine: Website: elainecarrart.com
JOIN US: 50 OVER 50
Inspired by Sharon Louden's "Last Artist Standing," we're seeking artists 50+ who are still creating, still contributing, still leading.
ONGOING - NO DEADLINE - FREE
Share your story:
1 photo of you creating
1 artwork image (title, medium, size, year)
Your insights on sustaining creativity through life's challenges
Because mature artists aren't just surviving—they're thriving, leading, and lighting the way.
Purchase Sharon's book: https://www.livesustain.org/last-artist-standing
Please share with artist friends 50+
