Carol Estes

Carol Estes says abstract art is part of who she is – a part of her personality and nature. Her images reflect an inner buoyancy and progressive optimism. As she puts it, “I love color and I feel energized when surrounded by a vast language of spectrums.”

Carol's abstract works are defined by a rigorous process of layering and texture, often involving 10 to 20 layers of paint applied over four to six weeks. Drawing inspiration from the color theories of Josef Albers, she manipulates perspectives by rotating her canvases and analyzing them from multiple vantage points to capture a sense of "individualistic expression." Her art, which ranges from traditional canvases to functional surfboards painted in Costa Rica, has been showcased in premier galleries such as The Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale and Adagio Galleries in Palm Desert. 

Influenced by the “enchanted” light of New Mexico, Carol moved to Albuquerque in 1993 after spending more than a decade creating works at the Stout-McCourt Gallery in the avant-garde, bohemian music and arts district known as “Deep Ellum” in Dallas, Texas. 

Beyond the studio, she is a pillar of the Southwest arts scene, having served 17 years as president of the Albuquerque Arts Business Organization and earning the "Local Treasure" award for her community contributions.