Artist Carrie Curran sitting holding paintbrushes.

Artist. Entrepreneur. Teacher

Carrie Curran is a nationally renowned artist, entrepreneur, teacher and mentor who has been featured in USA Today, Iconic life, Good Morning Arizona, The Luxe List, Az Big Media, The Paradise Valley Independent, The Scottsdale Progress, Live Better in Scottsdale.com, Raising Arizona Kids, and Images Arizona: Az Faces/Az Lifestyles/Az Places. She is the long-term Artist in Residence at the famed Hermosa Inn, rated No. 1 hotel in the Southwest, the No. 8 hotel in the country by Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards and Arizona’s No.1 Resort Hotel by Travel + Leisure.

Carrie is a professional artist living in Scottsdale, Arizona. Merging her passions for art and business, she founded the scenic waterfront Creative Color Art Studios located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Studio became the first wine and paint destination in the Valley and offers a comprehensive selection of kids and adult art classes year-round. Her widely established Young Vincent’s program at the Studio offers art education and special events for children and teens to help them gain an appreciation for art, develop art skills, and build confidence through a dynamic curriculum. Through Carrie’s passion for encouraging art education for children, she has taught thousands of children art and trained moms how to teach art in school classrooms through the Phoenix Art Museum’s Art Masterpiece Program.

Known for her bold, oversized floral canvas oil works, her paintings are full of life, movement, and texture. Carrie’s paintings are collected internationally in both private and corporate collections. She has studied with well-respected artists around the world, including Quang Ho, Sherrie McGraw, Matt Smith, and Kevin McPherson.

Influenced as a young child by her mother's studio oil painting classes in their home, Carrie began sketching and painting at an early age. Carrie's formal art training began in 1974 when she received the first of several art scholarships including one at Cambridge University in England. 

Whether creating a plein air painting in the desert or a contemporary floral in her studio, Carrie's vibrant work has given energy and pleasure to many admirers. Her instruction and mentorship have provided the foundation for professional success in fine arts to thousands of students for over three decades.

Artist Carrie Curran with the Youth Academy students and their paintings.

Developed Children’s Art Programs…

Carrie is the founder of the Youth Academy at the Scottsdale Artist’s School, Arizona’s premier art school for adults and youth. She launched Fine Art for Children, founded the C. Jackson Gallery, was active in Arts in Education and a docent at the Phoenix Art Museum for over thirty years.

 
A floral painting of artist Carrie Curran, "Your Wish" oil in canvas.

Known for her bold, oversized floral canvas oil works…

Her paintings are full of life, movement, and texture.

 
An ocean scene commission painting by artist Carrie Curran.

Knows how exactly you want your custom paintings…

If you are looking for a piece of art to fit a particular space, whether floral, still life or abstract, a commissioned painting made by Carrie may be an excellent choice.

 
Artist Carrie Curran with her easel and paintings and a picture frame of fame artist Lon Megargee.

The artist in residence in Hermosa Inn for over 10 years…

Enjoy a morning of entertaining art instruction while sipping mimosas, eating pastries and creating masterpieces in the stunning desert gardens.

 

A Plein Air Convention and Expo Faculty since PACE2014

Carrie led the most recent Pre-Convention Basics of Plein Air at the Plein Air Convention and Expo 2024. Learn the different techniques of over 75 world-renowned artists experiencing the stunning scenery of the Lake Tahoe & Reno for the 12th Annual Plein Air Convetion Expo

 
Artist Carrie Curran in Arizona Biltmore front yard.

Painting at The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort…

Paint along with Carrie, images created exclusively for Arizona Biltmore located in the heart of Phoenix nestled amongst palm trees and mountain ranges, forming a magical oasis at the base of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

 
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