Carol lives on a large cattle ranch outside of Casper where she was born and raised.  Her companions include a horse, several dogs and cats and the wonderful wildlife that she sees every day.  This environment, fostered by her family’s love of the outdoors has given her a deep-rooted love of the West, its landscape and wildlife.  She has mastered a fairly rare style of painting using a palette knife, which she uses exclusively in her work.  “Nature is uneven and has texture – the knife lends itself to that,” she explains. 

Carol spent two years as an art major at the University of Wyoming, has done numerous workshops with artists such as Morton Solberg and Scott Christiansen.  She spent several years painting on location with Jackson plein-air artists Greg McHuron and has studied extensively with nationally recognized plein-air palette knife artist Bill Freeman. 

Ms. Swinney has had numerous one-person and group exhibitions over the past several years.  She has been and invited artist in many art shows and exhibits as well as being accepted into many National juried competitions.  Her honors include best of shows, first place and merit awards.  She has also been a consistent top selling “Quick Draw” artist. 

Carol has said of her work, “My paintings are meant to be shared with the viewer and reflect my love and deep concern for the welfare of our wildlife and the beauty of the landscape around me.  I believe documenting a vanishing resource for future generations to enjoy.” 

Carol has had ten paintings selected for the Top 100 and the Top 200 in the prestigious “Arts for the Parks” National Art Competition held in Jackson, Wyoming during the past several years.  Ms. Swinney is a member of the Oil Painters of America, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association the California Art Club and Casper Artist Guild.