Biography
Carolyn’s Kindergarten teacher was convinced she would grow up to be an artist. Earliest memories include drawing horses and animals while classmates lined up to receive their artwork. Mr. Danino, a Grade 9 Art Teacher, was one of her earliest art mentors, and taught the foundational work that would later prove to be very beneficial. Upon graduation, she continued on with secondary education and employment with the City of Brandon before moving to Grande Prairie, Alberta, to begin a life with (now) husband Hugh Sinclair. Life shifted to a focus on chuckwagon racing, and a renewed love for horses and art. She taught the wagon kids art lessons on the road, and painted in the horse van whenever there was a spare moment. Hugh retired from the sport as a 4X Calgary Stampede Champion in 2013, and later was inducted into the Calgary Stampede Hall of Fame in 2022. This gave her the opportunity to commit to a full time career as an artist, and in 2015 goals were assessed and a social media page was launched. A full circle moment happened in 2016 when Carolyn returned to the Calgary Stampede as a first time Studio Booth Artist. It was "full circle" because she had met her husband while on a working holiday for the Calgary Stampede as ticket taker/gate security in 1991. In 1992, Carolyn returned to the Calgary Stampede with Hugh, and each year thereafter until his retirement in 2013. Returning in 2016 felt quite special and different as she was now on the other side of the grounds. There have been countless art workshops, mentors, and art adventures along the way that have developed her skills. Perhaps Adeline Halvorson said it best (loosely paraphrased), "You need to put on paint miles if you want to be good". Thousands and thousands of art hours later, and Carolyn is now returning to the Calgary Stampede for a 4th time as a Studio Booth Artist in 2025. The adventure continues! Carolyn’s art has given her many grand adventures, including horseback riding with Shania Twain in the Mojave Desert, Performance art for Canada 150 at an exclusive Spruce Meadows Event with Jody Skinner, and a week of teaching grades 1-7 students at St. Catherine's Catholic School
Artist Statement
My work is primarily focussed on the art of the horse. Specifically, the energy and spirit of the horse, as well as their relationship with people and environments. I enjoy large, colorful work, and oscillate between painterly realism and works with more contemporary and/or abstract elements. I allow myself the freedom to paint intuitively and allow the work to evolve beyond photographic reference. My process would best be described as eclectic, in that I am continually finding new ways to express emotion and passion on the canvas, through a process of experimentation in both color, brush marks, and design.