Reviews

Art Collectors & Retreat Students share their feelings about master artist Kathleen Carrillo

Dr. Judy Krings, Collector and Student.

*****
Kathleen Carillo, internationally renowned and extraordinarily talented, is a rare gem gifted with unique exuberance, passion, and love of life. Her charming effervescence rubs off on you as you gaze at her distinctively original artwork. I have been an enthusiastic collector of her paintings, pillow cases, tote bags and scarves for many years. I feel heart sparks of joy every time I gaze upon her artistry. It wows me with its wondrous whimsy and colorful pizzazz.
 
Kathleen's art may also be stunningly serene. It makes you want to stop, savor and scoop up happiness. Be it an elegant water lily floral, a stunning seaside landscape, or an "in your face " cultural human phenomenon piece, its beauty fascinates.  The engaging facial expressions and captivating body poses she masterfully creates always blow my mind. 
 
Although her artistry may be calming and curious, what grabs me the most is Kathleen's sense of humor. Her ability to translate her spunky, light-hearted naughtiness (in the nicest respect), into the most fun and enthralling paintings that always make me smile. Her joie de vivre sensitivity sparkles with every brushstroke. I am blessed to have her painting of a glorious large lime green and turquoise macaw over my work desk in Puerto Vallarta. He often helps get me through the tough times. I look at mischievous him preening, and I laugh out loud. 
 
Kathleen's painting is an exceptional skill set, but the frosting on that cake is that she also possesses an uncanny ability to teach others how to paint.
Incredibly compassionate, she is a superlative and dedicated collaborator. Even if you are a beginner with no experience as an artist, Kathleen will inspire you to harness your unknown inner gutsy artist. You may not be able to imagine what you can create, but with her help, you will see magic appear on your canvas. I know this first hand. Apprehensive me experienced this wonder in her class. Mind bending amazement. Kathleen deserved all the credit. Her patient, individualized attention and encouragement helped me focus on a treasure chest of specific techniques that had originally stumped me. Left-handed me happily learned,  and I know you will, too. The result? You will be shocked and thrilled when you see that gorgeous painting you never dreamed you could create. Kathleen is a masterfully lovely magician.
 
Katheen is truly a fantastic human being and incredible friend. She is true blue. The real deal. A dynamite delicious doll. Her art reflects her, and that is the best kudo I could ever express. To know her is to love her. I hope you treat yourself or anyone you love with the gift of one of her stunning and life illuminating paintings. 

Faye Waldman, Collector and Art Student

Faye Waldman, Collector

*****

My association with Kathleen began about 14 years ago when my husband and I were walking down the street in Puerto Vallarta and I stopped and said,” Look Gary, there are my aunts.”  Of course it was not really my aunts, but an amazing painting of 4 women who looked exactly how my aunts looked as I remembered them.  Of course we purchased the painting and have since developed a wonderful relationship with her.  We have  purchased 7 more of her amazing paintings and we love their presence in our homes.  I have also become a painter, as I have attended as many of Kathleen”s classes as possible since meeting her. We currently have 26 of my paintings hanging and I will do two more next month with Kathleen in St. Remy, France.  I can’t wait!!!
Faye Waldman
P.S.  This is the painting that started it all!

Roberta Toporoff, Art Student

Master ARtist Kathleen Carrillo teaches in Italy

*****

I have had the amazing opportunity to join Kathleen's painting workshops in Puerto Vallarta, Nice, France and Italy and I can't say enough about how much this has enhanced my life. To be able to travel the world, be with friends and meet new people while painting and being creative is fantastic. Kathleen is incredibly talented, kind and fun and I'm so grateful that she gives her time and shares her knowledge with us. She brings out the hidden artist in all of us. I''m looking forward to many more workshops with Kathleen.

Cheryl Wheeler, Collectors

Collectors Cheryl and John Wheeler

*****

Kathleen is an amazing artist. My husband loves her artwork as well. The colors and composition are delightful. Our home is uplifted more because of Kathleen's creative abilities!!!! I would recommend you get your Kathleen Carrillo Artwork as soon as you can!

Jill Davis, Assistant Gallery Director

kathleen Carrillo master artist with assistant Jill Davis

*****

Kathleen is a wonderfully prolific, creative artist. Happy to call her my friend I have assisted her in the Puerto Vallarta Gallery since 2015. From my point of view when she paints she is mesmerized placing her soul into her art, which carries her emotions. It can make you think or take you places. At a glance you can feel the profound joy and love in her work.

Steve and Manuel, Collectors, Architectural, and Identity and Inclusion

Kathleen Carrillo Artist with her latest collectors

*****

Our relationship with Kathleen and her art has grown into something very special. What began with discovering her colorful Architectural Whimsy paintings of Puerto Vallarta soon grew into collecting pieces from her Identity & Inclusion series as well.

We now live with several of Kathleen’s male figurative paintings, and each one has its own personality, energy, and story. There is something about her figures that is both powerful and vulnerable, and they continue to reveal something new the longer we live with them.

Kathleen’s work is bold, joyful, sometimes provocative, and always unmistakably hers. Just as importantly, getting to know the artist behind the paintings has made collecting them even more meaningful.

 

Our Kathleen Carrillo collection has grown to several paintings—and judging from experience, we probably shouldn’t say we’re finished yet!

Ron Morgan Real Estate, Living Artfully

Ron Morgan, Collector

*****

Kathleen Carrillo Galleries is one of those places in Puerto Vallarta where you walk in planning to “just take a look” and somehow find yourself imagining which wall in your home needs a new painting.

Kathleen has created a gallery that is colorful, sophisticated, welcoming, and, much like Kathleen herself, full of personality. As someone in real estate, I spend a lot of time thinking about what makes a home memorable, and original art can completely transform a space. Kathleen’s work does exactly that.

Her gallery is filled with everything from her wonderfully whimsical architectural paintings of Puerto Vallarta to expressive figurative work, florals, and contemporary abstract pieces. There is always something new to discover, and Kathleen makes visiting the gallery fun rather than intimidating.

Fair warning: coming in “just to browse” may be hazardous to your empty walls!

Ron Morgan, Real Estate, Living Artfully