Carol Strock-Wasson American (b.1958) Koi Feeding #2 impressionist pastel on paper signed lower right, inscribed verso; "Painted at my koi pond, Union City, Indiana" Biography from the archives of AskArt: The following is submitted by Steve Zimmerman, Indiana art collector and scholar, who is curating a museum exhibition titled Quest for the West, opening 2006. "It doesn't matter what you paint, but rather what you feel about what you paint. I have a strong feeling for everything I paint." In her own words, the essence of what Carol is striving to convey is said. Devoted to plein air painting, and always venturing forth into new areas with her box of pastels, Carol Strock-Wasson is focused on painting with spontaneity and freshness. In her opinion, studio painting is always viewed as Plan B and a sanctuary to reflect upon what she has created in the field and a rendezvous point for her thoughts and aspirations. At the end of the day, though, she returns to the weather forecast and where she is headed next. Carol Strock-Wasson is a product of the Indiana soil and co-owner of a large landscaping and design nursery right on the Indiana-Ohio border. She was born there in Union City and still calls it home though her many friends and supporters are more likely to see her heading for a new locale to paint in her SUV filled with paint boards and every color of pastel imaginable. Strock-Wasson trained at Vincennes College and Ball State University and has persistently sought workshops and the counsel of established artists throughout Indiana and surrounding states. The landscape is her church and the willingness to explore all of Mother Nature's expressions is embodied in her work. Prolific to a fault and never quite satisfied, Carol is constantly moving toward her next project. Along the way she is ever mindful of her favorite artists such as George Inness, Charles Hawthorne, and John Fabian Carlson, yet never tempted to copy them. Rather, she embraces every opportunity to meet other artists and view the work of all ranges of successful painters to extend her base into new territory. Now in her 25th year of painting professionally, she is stretching to paint both in watercolor and oil. Her reasons are simple. Until a painter has experimented with all media, the career remains too narrow and her reputation perhaps too narrowly defined. The fact that she has won numerous awards and exhibited in a wide range of paints outs, juried shows, and invitational events is proof that she is confident of her own status. Memberships include the Randolph County Art Association, Hoosier Salon, Indiana Artist Club, Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, and an associate of the Pastel Society of America. Carol has received numerous awards including Hoosier Salon Purchase Award, Arts for the Parks, Pastel Society of America, Indiana Heritage Arts, and the Pastels USA International Open Exhibition. 13 1/2"H x 17 1/2"W (sight), 16 3/4"H x 20 3/4"W (frame)