6x6 oil on wood panel
 
Carrie Dean has always been a creator in one form or another. Her passion for oil painting was rekindled in 2014 after being introduced to the impressionistic style and the art of seeing. Still life and Plein air painting allow Dean full immersion into the subject matter and surroundings. Her work en Plein air, portaiture and still life is exucuted with honed classical skill while focusing on contemporary compositions.
 
Dean's formal education and career lie in natural resources, environmental education, tourism, and consulting. Her day jobs currently include working as an environmental consultant and parenting her young daughter. A long-time Taos resident, she considers herself spoiled and inspired with brilliant skies, dramatic thunderstorms, mountains, and adobe architecture. All of which keep Schultz coming back to her charming studio on historic Ledoux Street in the Blumenschein Museum courtyard.