Actually, I can

Opening in July, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) presents a new body of original work by York-based painter Carol Douglas, in her largest exhibition to date.

Actually I Can includes 51 new paintings of various sizes, all of which will be for sale. Prices range from £325 to £1,430 with all proceeds going direct to the artist and to YSP to support its charitable work. Works will be hung in several spaces in the YSP Centre, including the Upper Space Gallery, and the Kitchen Café.

Carol, who was dissuaded from pursuing an arts qualification at school, has developed her own style since taking up painting in her 60s; painting with acrylic and applying it to the canvas using rollers rather than the traditional paint brush. She builds the paint up layer after layer, with a warm palette of greys, browns and mustards. Influenced by Outsider Art, Art Brut and Folk Art, terms used to describe art with a naïve and decorative quality, her alluring paintings depict recognisable household objects and people in domestic settings, and are inspired by her experiences of everyday life.

The exhibition’s title Actually I Can is inspired by Carol’s background. Following a very successful career as a sociologist and community worker, she enrolled onto an art foundation course at York College in her 60s. Now in her 70s, Douglas has exhibited in several galleries in the UK, collaborated with brands including TOAST and her work is collected worldwide.

Giving visitors a special glimpse into the working life of a painter, the YSP Shop window will be transformed into a replica of the artist’s York studio, including a display of six paintings.

Carol Douglas says: “I am delighted to have my largest exhibition to date at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, for which I have included a bespoke series of large-scale paintings for the café space. This exhibition has encouraged me to revisit my back catalogue of work, drawing from and bringing together my favourite ideas from across my painting career thus far, putting it all together for one show. The spaces in Yorkshire Sculpture Park that my work will be shown in have been a key inspiration for the making on this show, and having the opportunity to present in such a prestigious art venue is a joy and a privilege.”

In addition to all 51 original paintings, YSP has produced a series of small prints for visitors to purchase from the shop as a keepsake, priced at £12 each.

YSP is a registered charity and accredited museum in West Yorkshire. All proceeds from sales help YSP to remain open and continue to create meaningful, enjoyable experiences for everyone in a unique environment.