Carol Forbes Croad

For Carol Forbes Croad, art has been a lifelong pursuit shaped by decades of creative exploration, travel and observation. Born and educated in England, Carol studied at the prestigious St Martin's School of Art in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1971. Her rigorous training was grounded in drawing, with a strong emphasis on technical discipline and critical thinking. After graduating, she worked as a book illustrator and textile print designer before embarking on a successful career in fashion buying, eventually becoming a womenswear buyer for the Harrods group. While the role took her around the world and left little time for painting, it provided the opportunity to experience many of the world's great art museums, further enriching her artistic perspective.

After moving to Australia in 1986, Carol returned to painting full-time in 2004, embracing her practice with complete creative freedom. Remaining true to her own artistic vision rather than following trends, she works in a contemporary realist style, beginning each piece with detailed drawing before developing it in watercolour or oils. Wherever possible, she paints from life, often seeking fresh and unexpected perspectives on familiar subjects.

The Australian landscape, native flora and fauna continue to be Carol's greatest source of inspiration, while her extensive travels also leave a lasting impression on her work. From the vast beauty of the Kimberley to the streets of India, China and Europe, she records her experiences through sketches, later transforming them into paintings guided as much by memory and emotion as by observation.

Carol draws inspiration from the pioneering artists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly those who challenged convention through relentless experimentation and dedication to their craft. She has a particular admiration for artists such as Egon Schiele and Berthe Morisot, whose originality and perseverance continue to resonate today.

Through her paintings, Carol hopes to create a deeply personal connection with the viewer. Rather than simply complementing an interior, she believes art should evoke memories, emotions and experiences, becoming something that is lived with, reflected upon and enjoyed every day.