Spring is here

at my Studio on the Knoll

Just like a songwriter connects with listeners through melodies and lyrics, or an author touches readers with stories, my art has resonated with people, some returning, some seeing it for the first time. I recently had a patron tell me the colors in a painting they purchased inspired them to get into their garden; another indicated a desire to reconnect with their own art! It’s been gratifying to me to have people respond to the ocean wave paintings. The songwriter, the author and the visual artist create the “piece”; the listeners, the readers and the viewers finish the equation.

From pastel paintings to intricate designs set in copper, each piece becomes a bridge connecting me to a diverse audience from Oregon and beyond: an installation of three copper salmon in a new home in Canby, Oregon; commissioned works from Bend to Missoula; and pieces in galleries in several states. I am grateful and blessed to do this work. My hope is that my art makes the world a little brighter, one piece at a time.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

• April 1 - April 30, 2026
  301 GALLERY group show: “FRESH” - New and exciting works from founding and guest artists who live on or around the Columbia River Gorge! I will be showing a new pastel painting and 2 of my newest LARGE copper salmon. Join us at 301 for First Friday, April 3rd, for cider, live music, and wonderful art. 301 Oak Street, Hood River, Oregon.

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May 22, 2026
From 6:00 - 8:00 pm at The Knoll. Eminent pastellist TARA WILL comes back to the knoll for an Evening in Living Color. She will demonstrate in soft pastels, painting images of the PACIFIC NORTHWEST. Appetizers and drinks provided. Contact Carrie at carriemoorestudios5@gmail.com for more information. Limited to 36 attendees.

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May 23 - 24, 2026
Saturday and Sunday, May 23 & 24, 9:00 - 4:30 pm at The Knoll, TARA’S WORKSHOP is a rare opportunity to learn from a master. While Tara is demonstrating using soft pastels, painters of all media are welcome. Space is limited to 14 students. All of Tara’s fresh works will be available for purchase at special event pricing. Tickets: $295 per person. For inquiries or to register, contact Carrie at carriemoorestudios5@gmail.com.

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October 3 - 4, 2026
From 10-4 each day. OREGON CITY OPEN STUDIOS 2026. Join me at my studio on The Knoll and take part in a self-guided weekend open to the public - explore 15+ studios around the city featuring the work of over 30 area artists. More information to come as we get closer to the event.

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ARTIST’S BLOCK

Have you ever found yourself procrastinating or antsy when it’s time to create? I had commissions to work on, projects that excited me, and a bunch of work I needed and wanted to get done for my personal inventory, but I felt stuck when it came to actually doing the work.

It wasn’t until I got curious about the resistance that things turned around for me. I asked myself what was causing me discomfort. Why was it hard to engage with the creative process? After taking a bit of time to reflect, I realized it was a few things. Here are some ways I cleared the decks to free up time, my mind and spirit to create in a balanced way.

Every winter, I attempt, yes, “attempt” to clean/organize my studio. So I cleaned and organized my workspaces: my copper shipping area, the pastel and easel cart that is central to my pastel work, and put up new shelves to catalog the leather and tools. Organization is key for me. I work in several media, so having boundaries around “putting like things with like things” has been my focus this winter. And surprisingly, when I schedule that organization time in (then make myself do it), it’s SO FREEING.

If I have a tough decision - one that I know I should make, but I don’t want to because of discomfort, I’ve learned that living in discomfort is crippling, and if it’s something in my control to change or adjust, I’m the only one who can do it for myself. This could be a tough project, a tough relationship, tough times in the world, whatever it is…..learning to take control of it, again, is soul-enhancing.

My work and personal lives are intertwined. The movable work tables and easel my husband Jeff built me, make my space and work flow so great. The creative input from my daughters is invaluable. And the friends and colleagues who I love to spend time with fill my cup, and I theirs. Symbiosis. That word and the word Reciprocity are central to my life and it’s been truly transformative to build and nurture relationships and create artwork that comes from me and gives back to me in return.

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So cheers to life in the Pacific Northwest with roots in Southern California - some of the many places and things that have shaped me as a creative!

Thank you for following!

-Carrie

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News from the Knoll

We are delighted to host esteemed pastel artist Tara Will back to The Knoll for two special events in May, 2026.

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An Evening in Full Color with TARA WILL
MAY 22, 2026, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
All are welcome, artist or art enthusiasts! Enjoy heavy appetizers and beverages while Tara demonstrates her techniques. The PNW-themed paintings she produces will be for sale exclusively to the evening’s attendees. $60 per person. Limited to 36.


TWO-DAY WORKSHOP (featuring references from the Pacific Northwest)
MAY 23-24, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Tara’s workshop is a rare opportunity to learn from a master. While Tara is demonstrating using soft pastels, painters of all media are welcome. Space is limited to 14 students. All of Tara’s fresh works will be available for purchase at special event pricing. Bring a friend and enjoy this unique opportunity to learn from a celebrated talent.
Tickets: $295 per person.

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If you haven’t had the opportunity to work with Tara, you are in for an unforgettable experience.

Tara works in soft pastels, painting quickly to capture the essence of her subject using bold colors and strong marks. In 2022, she achieved her Eminent Pastellist Status with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). Tara's work has been curated worldwide in both public and private collections, including the Mall in London. Her work has been featured in publications including Southwest Art, Pastel Journal, and Plein Air Magazine. Most recently, Tara’s work was profiled at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. She lives in Maryland with her husband and four children.

And/Or

Happy New Year! Hope to see you in May!

-Carrie

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Join Sarah Moore and myself for appetizers and beverages as we ring in the HOLIDAYS at our 1 day gift show

SATURDAY November 21st, 2-6 pm - 21036 S Leland Road - Oregon City

www.carriemoorestudios.com

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My 2025 ocean wave paintings are SOLD OUT. Please inquire about commissions and new painting inventory for 2026. Seasons Greetings. We hope to see you here!

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News from the Knoll

I am fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest and witness so much life on our property and on our travels. Flowers, garden greens, foliage, koi, frogs, and endless birds make this place come alive daily.

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OPen studios tour

I’m delighted to be included in the Oregon City Open Studios Tour on Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th, from 10am to 4pm.

The entire self-guided tour, of which I am a part, spans Oregon City and Beavercreek and features 37 artists included in 17 studio stops along the tour. You can find me at Number 10 on the route. This tour offers guests a unique opportunity to meet local artists, shop directly within the local art scene, and get a peek into the artists’ creative spaces.

I’m combining my annual holiday show with this event, so please drop by The Knoll for early holiday shopping, hot cider, and a sweet treat. I’ll let you know when more details about the featured artists and tour route are available.

My open studio will feature new paintings, copper sculpture, leatherworks, and, as always, exciting new copper creations. I’m bringing back the salmon, with some new designs for home and garden!

I plan to have a series of ocean wave cards on hand for you folks who still believe a handwritten note is the BEST kind of note! See you in October!

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let’s talk inspiration

I grew up a stone’s throw from the sea, and smelling the brine of the ocean as the barks of sea lions echoed up the side of the cliffs on a clear night is one of my formative memories. Although my family and I frequently journey to the coast, I am fortunate enough to hear the rippling of water from our koi pond at our home. These majestic fish are a constant source of inspiration to me. I’m working on a painting which I will share when finished, but here’s a peek at my wiggling, always hungry muses. Hopefully, you can find a source of inspiration in your home or backyard.

And when I am fortunate enough to be at the coast, I’m constantly taking photos, trying to capture the best light. Here’s a photo I recently took at the Washington shore, and the resulting piece. As you can clearly see, the photo was an inspiration. As an artist, I get to play with color, perspective, subject, and light to convey my own vision. This piece will be displayed at the 301 Gallery in Hood River.

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let’s talk technique

My everyday ornaments have been a lot of fun to design! I’m constantly dreaming up new images that might work with my sculpted copper medium. My latest inspiration is the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge, which connects Astoria, Oregon, to Point Ellice, Washington. The tallest point is nearly 300 feet above the lower Columbia River, which allows for giant cargo ships carrying containers, grain, and minerals. You’ll also see car carriers, Coast Guard cutters, tow boats, and the ever-present commercial and private fishing boats, which is what I’ve chosen to memorialize in my latest copper creation.

I often draw on my iPad in an affordable program called Procreate. It’s where I do pen & “ink” drawings. Essentially, I can quickly edit, erase, and layer - all the fun stuff a good graphics program can do. I use it like a virtual sketch book. The finished copper product should be ready for my October show.

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find your creativity

My main forms of artistic creativity are drawing, painting, and sculpture. But I also find great creative satisfaction in landscape design, gardening, flower arranging, and cooking. You might like to sew or restore and repurpose furniture. You might be someone who can put an outfit together to make it singularly your own. Have you ever been greeted by a beautifully set table at a friend’s home? All these things spring from creativity and add something special and deliberate to your everyday life.

Find something that delights you and make it your own. Don’t worry about messing it up or not getting it right. I’ve come to understand that failure is a key ingredient to success. The point is to keep taking that creative leap by adding as much beauty to your life as possible. We could all use a little more light. It’ll change your life.

So cheers to life in the Pacific Northwest with roots in Southern California - some of the many places and things that have shaped me as a creative!

Thank you for following!

-Carrie

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News from the Knoll

As spring tiptoes into summer, and the longest days are stretching into everchanging sunsets, new growth and new life lead me to new inspiration. My garden, our landscape on this amazing knoll, new invitations and challenges to keep growing as a lifelong designer and artist are welcomed.

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301 Gallery exhibit

I’m delighted to be included in the 301 Gallery exhibit, which runs throughout the month of June. Located in Hood River, this exhibit features over 35 works by more than 15 artists, with all pieces measuring 24”x24”. Hood River lies on the banks of the spectacular Columbia River, about thirty minutes south of the gorge, and is a great day trip from Portland to eat great food, see unforgettable sights, and view lovely art.

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let’s talk inspiration

Inspiration can come from the strangest places. I was at a farm buying our daughter a Japanese maple for her first Mother’s Day in her new home (tree gifting is a longstanding tradition in our family) when I spied a striking pattern on a woman’s skirt. I was in love with the color combinations and asked to take a photo which she graciously granted. I’m sure it was the strangest request she received all day. The result was “Effortlessly Intertwining” which I painted that same week - an abstract floral/figurative work inspired by the balsam root and sunflowers of the Rowena Plateau in the Columbia River Gorge - a favorite place in spring. 

Some images may stun you with their beauty and inspiration, while others require a quiet, contemplative mind. If you’re an artist, or a person who appreciates art, you may know what I’m talking about. The way colors are meant to accompany one another, or the ordered chaos of leaves floating in a pond. Inspiration is there - you just have to look.

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OPen studios tour

I hope you’ll stop by The Knoll on October 4 and 5th, from 10am to 4pm, for the Oregon City Open Studios Tour.

I’m combining my annual holiday show with this event, so I hope you’ll stay and have a hot cider and a sweet treat.

The entire self-guided tour, of which I am a part, stretches across Oregon City and is a great opportunity to meet and shop directly from the local art scene, all while getting a peek into the artists’ creative spaces.

I’ll open my studio to new paintings, new leatherworks, and as always, exciting copper creations. I’m bringing back the salmon, with some new designs for home and garden!

I plan to have a series of ocean wave cards on hand for you folks who still believe a handwritten note is the BEST kind of note! 

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So cheers to life in the Pacific Northwest with roots in Southern California - some of the many places and things that have shaped me as a creative!

Thank you for following!

-Carrie

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news from the knoll

Winter has always been a time for me to hunker down. I cherish family time in front of a warming fire, long afternoons with friends, and decorating the house for the coming holiday.

Just as the leaves surrounding my studio have fallen to make way for a distant spring, winter is also a time of rebirth. In place of my traditional 2-day Holiday Open Studio and Show, I’m changing things up this year…

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appointments for open studio

It’s that time of year again! I have so much to share with you this year and look forward to sharing a glass of wine or cider with you around the fireplace in the barn. Here’s a small sampling of work and read on for a few changes.

Please gather your friends and join me in-studio
BY APPOINTMENT Wednesdays Dec. 11th or 18th.

Gatherings of up to 12 friends are ideal. Come browse and stay for a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of wine and sit by the fire in the studio where we can catch up and together, usher in the holiday season surrounded by art, friendship, and community. It’s my way of being able to take a bit more time with you than in a larger group so we can visit!

Please text or call to set up a time - 503-866-5507. I’ve added new and exciting copper ornaments to my collection - perfect for your tree or one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Playing with new combinations of fire, borax, and patina, I’ve instilled and hammered new bright colors and life into existing and BRAND-NEW designs for 2025. The collection keeps growing.

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year round on etsy

Just in time for the holidays, my new Etsy shop is operational, so ornaments are available all year round. These in-door/out-door ornaments are perfect holiday host and hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, or year round gifts for your favorite nature lover.

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301 gallery, hood river

I want to express my thanks to the wonderful 301 Gallery in Hood River, which represents my paintings as well as my ornaments. They’ve sold most of my pastel collection, so I have the happy task of getting busy in the new year and producing more of the art that brings me such joy.

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Thank you for being a part of my artistic journey. Happy Holidays!

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News from the Knoll

Spring is now summer, and I find myself balancing time in the garden with time at the easle. Time spent at the coast with time cooking from the garden. Time traveling balanced with stillness at home where I find most of my inspiration…the plants, the clouds, the light up here on the knoll. Waves and water have me right now. Having grown up in Lunada Bay, CA in the town of Palos Verdes, we literally grew up on the beach. I travel “home” often, and spend time up and down the WA, OR and CA coasts.

“Crash in to You” 20” x 20” pastel and cold wax copyright Carrie Moore Studios. Sold.

TARA WILL RETURNS OCT 2024!

We are delighted to welcome Tara back to the studio! Tara works in soft pastels, painting quickly to capture the essence of her subject using bold colors and strong marks. In 2022, she achieved her Eminent Pastellist Status with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). Tara's work is in both public and private collections around the world including the Mall in London. Her work has been featured in multiple languages in publications such as Southwest Art, Pastel Journal, and Plein Air Magazine. Most recently, Tara’s work was profiled at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. She resides in Maryland with her husband and four children.

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For the first time, we are offering 3 options to work with Tara:

OPTION 1
Evening Reception Only
Friday, October 18th , 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Join us for one of our most sought-after events at the Knoll—Tara’s evening demonstration from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. She will demonstrate in soft pastels and will also have some of her new oil paintings available for purchase. Heavy appetizers, wine, coffee, and tea are included.
Tickets: $60 per person.

OPTION 2
Plein Air + Evening Reception
Friday, October 18th , 1:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Our weekend begins Friday afternoon with plein air painting on the knoll from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., followed by appetizers and an evening demonstration by Tara. She will demonstrate in soft pastel and also have some of her new oil paintings available the evening of the demo! Light afternoon snacks and beverages provided.
Tickets: $100 per person.

OPTION 3
2-Day Workshop
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 - 4:00 pm.
Tara’s workshop is a rare opportunity to learn from a master. While Tara is demonstrating using soft pastels, painters of all media are welcome. Space is limited to 14 students. All fresh works will be available for purchase at special event pricing. Bring a friend and enjoy this unique opportunity to learn from a celebrated talent.
Tickets: $295 per person.