Created By Carol - Capturing Memories on Canvas

New Entry: February 18, 2011 - Our mom, Carol MacLeod passed away five months ago today. September 18, 2010 is the day she died. We miss her terribly and keep this site up in her honor. We miss and love you mom,

I began painting many years ago when my oldest son Don was small. I had become acquainted with a woman who taught the basics of oil painting. So, along with ten other women, I learned to mix the paint and apply it (primitively) to canvas. It seemed that no one in the group really knew what they were doing (myself included), and I felt strongly that there was something inside me that was just not being expressed. Consequently, I put the paints away for a number of years while I raised my family.

But things changed in 1989. I was in an auto accident and, while recuperating in West Branch, Michigan, I brought out my paints again. I found a woman who gave painting classes in her store, so I expanded my oil painting by learning how to paint on sweatshirts. But that still didn’t satisfy what was in my heart. I simply couldn’t express what was on the inside. My paintings were dark. You could look at them and feel my pain.

Finally, in 2003, I decided to try my hand at painting with watercolors. I had always heard this was a difficult medium to master and I was really afraid to try. But it began with a request from my daughter to paint something for her with watercolors. A friend of mine from church, who is an accomplished watercolorist, began to teach me some specific techniques. I was so excited and felt so honored that she would spend time teaching me each week. After much hard work and with a deepening of my faith in God, I finally felt that I was able to express those feelings that had always been in my heart. What an amazing experience!

Isaiah 40:30-31 is and has been a great inspiration to me: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.” I now paint with a renewed sense of style, and in each of my landscapes, you will find three birds. They’re tucked away in the clouds or gliding across the mountains, and to me, they represent the eagles and the Trinity.

Since I began my “watercolor journey”, I have also traveled down another road. Last year, I was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and lymph node. I have gone through extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and I am very blessed that I am now considered cancer free!! I’m happy with life, thankful for friends and grateful to God for His care. I have begun to paint again to celebrate my new beginning, and the lighthouses represent my Lord Jesus, who will always be the ever-present beacon in my life. He is my strength for each day and my light for the future. The three birds seen in my paintings are a constant reminder to me of where I have been and where I am going. I dedicate all my work to God and to the three most wonderful gifts he has given to me . . . my children.

Do you have a memory that you would like to keep forever?

I would be delighted to capture your photos on canvas. Please contact me at the address or phone number listed below.

Vacation photos are the inspiration for much of my work. Your memories can be captured in watercolor or oil,

and the size of the finished painting can be customized to your preference.

Note: A portion of the profits from the sale of each print or painting will go to cancer research and to Frontline Church in Michigan.

Carol MacLeod ~ 855 Cliffs Drive, 203C ~ Ypsilanti, MI 48178 ~ (734) 547-6838