Figurative Painting of Hands "Threading For Light" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

Candle making & soap making were the two most time-consuming activities for the home (and critical). Using molds or tallow dipping were the two ways of making candles. Women collected the tallow from meat fats, bought the wicking & iron molds, and provided the skill & labor. Significant experience was necessary to be able to make dipped candles because the candle mixture must be just the right temperature for the candle to take another layer of wax. It is interesting to note that each candle had a brightness comparable to our 10 watt bulb and was used mainly for reading & sewing. Their lives in the winter were much darker than ours are today.

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

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Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

23"x16" Watercolor on Paper/Available

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View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting of Hands "Made in America" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

This painting depicts the ancient tradition of creating images on hides. Most often the decorated hides were used for spiritual ceremonies. Here the hand imagery on the moccasin, made with glass beads, represents the symbol of achievement in battle. In all of the cultures on the plains & prairies, it was the women's responsibility to pass on traditions to the next generation. Women nourished the finer parts of life.

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

16"x20" Watercolor on Paper/SOLD

Commissions welcome.

View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting of Hands "Prizes Possession" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

Many European Americans who left the East, took a few prized possessions to hold onto the life and culture they left behind. Prairie women are credited with being the active conservators of culture, as well as the "moral housekeepers & social housekeepers in the communities." A pump organ provided much needed pleasure to the often harsh life they lived. Such cultural activities served as a comforting barrier between them and the unknown world surrounding them.

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

18"x24" Watercolor on Paper/Available

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View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting of Hands "A Golden Gathering" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

The gathering and bundling of wheat were often a family, if not a community affair. Women played important roles in tending and harvesting a crop. These women were survivors and had little time to contemplate their situation. If something needed to be done, they were there to do it, dawn to dusk. There was not time for idle hands.

"A Golden Gathering," has been awarded several honors, including "People's Choice Award" and "First Place," in the Minnesota Watercolor Society Juried Show of 1999. It was also on the cover of Watercolor!, winter 2000.

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

19"x26" Watercolor on Paper/Available

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View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting of Hands "Corn Husk Rug" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

In this drawing, the art of making a rug from the most durable substances on the plains - soaked corn husks, is captured. These rugs had a longer life than rags make of fabric, and they required very strong hands to make. It also demonstrates the resourcefulness required to survive with few materials at hand.

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

11"x15" Pencil on Paper/SOLD

View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting, of Hands "Love with a Twist" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

This painting was stolen from the Hopkins Center for the Arts in Minnesota. If seen, please notify Carol. Thank you! ("Love with a Twist #2" is proudly hanging in Minneapolis home.)

     17"x19" Watercolor on Paper

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

    Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

    Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

     View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

     Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

    Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting, of Hands "Food For The Soul" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

Thousands of African Americans took to the new frontiers of the West to establish towns seeking freedom from racial oppression and to gain new starts after the Civil War. The making of bread could easily consume an entire day's work and took great skill & intuition.

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

13"x22" Watercolor on Paper/SOLD

View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting, of Hands "DRESSING MY ANGEL " by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

Death was all too common out on the plains and prairies, and caring for the dead was taken care of at home. Disease, accidents and violence were prevalent causes. Often there was no wood for a coffin and the deceased was wrapped in a quilt and buried quickly. If available, balck sateen or calico and black lace would be used to make a shroud.

15"x21" Watercolor on Paper/Available

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View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Click HERE for a virtual tour of Carol's Colorado studio.

Click HERE to view a video of the progression of a commissioned painting.

Figurative Painting, of Hands "ALWAYS ON THE MOVE " by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.

Everything women did in their quest to tame the prairie was time consuming, even changing clothes! Though fashion may be thought to have been far from their minds, plains women stayed in touch with the latest trends. And Indian women were fairly quick to incorporating the lighter calico fabrics created by whites out east. These high button boots, for example, may have been part of an outfit that included gloves and a shawl, topped off by an elaborate adorned bonnet.

13"x21" Watercolor on Paper/SOLD

A 9"x 14.25" limited edition giclee print is available for $95.00. Please contact Carol to purchase. The image is printed on archival watercolor paper with a 1.5" border. It is a lovely reproduction of the original.

View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Figurative Painting, Child, Hands "TOO MANY TOO SOON" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

A visual artist's voice is rarely heard in words. Inspired by history, I pursued my dream of creating a large body of artwork commemorating the women of the 1800's. This memoir is an intimate glimpse into my artistic life, creative decision making, the struggles and triumphs, and the lessons learned while painting my passion. 

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.


Children were usually considered an asset on the plains & prairies, but many women wrote of their struggle and need for some form of birth control. Having too many children was a burden, life threatening, and many families suffered the consequences. Women were responsible for the care, moral upbringing and schooling of the children, as well as teaching basic labor skills for tending the animals, hauling water, doing the laundry, etc.

29"x21" Watercolor on Paper/SOLD

A 9.25"x13" limited edition giclee print is available for $95.00.

Please contact Carol to purchase. The image is printed on archival watercolor paper with a 1.5" border. It is a lovely reproduction of the original.

View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com

Figure Painting of Hands "CHOCOLATE CAKE" by Contemporary Realism Artist Carol A. McIntyre

PAINTING MY PASSION: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE WOMEN OF THE WEST

A visual artist's voice is rarely heard in words. Inspired by history, I pursued my dream of creating a large body of artwork commemorating the women of the 1800's. This memoir is an intimate glimpse into my artistic life, creative decision making, the struggles and triumphs, and the lessons learned while painting my passion. 

Click Here to read about or purchase my book.

Click HERE to view the entire collection of paintings from this series.


"Chocolate Cake" conveys a couple of messages. It not only depicts women's necessary work in the kitchen, but also shows the contrasts of this time period. This pregnant or plump woman with broken an dirty finger nails and few resources, is able and willing to create a luxury item - fresh chocolate cake. Undoubtedly, house guests were the reason to create this special treat out on the prairie.


18"x25" Watercolor on Paper/Available

Click HERE for pricing.

A 9.25"x13" limited edition giclee print is available for $95.00.

Please contact Carol to purchase. The image is printed on archival watercolor paper with a 1.5" border. It is a lovely reproduction of the original.

View more of my work at http://carolamcintyre.com