Life Transitions in Painting

A teaching career in art education followed graduation from Buffalo State Teachers College in 1959 for Carol Barth. It was short lived as marriage and the responsibilities of four children soon took over.

In 1974 divorce and a second career presented a life changing transition. From the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s Carol worked for System Planning Corporation, a prestigious research and analysis corporation in the Washington DC area. "This was a far cry from the painter I had hoped to become yet the knowledge of layout, photography and technical drawing as well as learning to produce quality work under deadline pressure formed a basis for the changes to come."

Life presented increasing challenges and in 1985 Carol found herself living in Jupiter FL. "I was 48 and finally in a space where I could begin seriously learning to draw and paint". Classes at the Lighthouse Gallery and School of Art in Tequesta, FL, The Vermont Studio Center, The Woodstock School of Art and The Art League School in Alexandria VA fueled an ever increasing passion for new knowledge in painting techniques and new ways of thinking about art. And new ways of thinking about art led to yet another transition. Her search for concept, uniqueness and a personal expression brought her to The Savannah College of Art and Design where she graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Fine Art degree in painting at 56 in 1994. "Interacting with an incredibly eclectic and gifted group of artists and teachers opened my mind and heart to both a personal and an objective viewing of art and life."

Transitions continued and in 94 Carol established "Art on Whittaker", a co-op gallery in Savannah. In 96 she opened her own gallery and school of art in Florida, taught classes in color theory and painting for Indian River Community College and The Tequesta Gallery and School of Art. Then in 98 it was time for another change. This time it was the Pisgah Forest and friends in Brevard, NC that inspired Carol’s ongoing search. Teaching at Brevard College, two solo shows in the area and six years of interaction with the local art community still left something missing.

And that missing piece was found when a few computer errors on Match.com led her to John Lodholz in Doylestown PA. Carol came to Doylestown two years ago to marry John. He now shares her artistic search and completes her art with beautifully designed and constructed frames.

"Painting is my life force and transitions a part of my process."