Carol Carpenter

Carol Leigh Carpenter, 78, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 23, 2025. Born in November of 1946, Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and gifted artist.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dan Carpenter; her son, Jack Carpenter; her daughter, Ruth Bauer, and son-in-law, Kelly Bauer; and her cherished grandchildren, Emma and Toby Bauer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Julia Henry Nessly, and her sisters, Amy Nessly and Jenifer Shell.

Carol grew up in Kansas, forming close friendships that lasted a lifetime. After high school, she moved to Los Altos, California to finish her education, attending community college before transferring to the University of New Mexico to study Art History. Drawn to New Mexico by family, including her uncle "Bub" Henry and aunt Dona Henry, she embraced life in the dorms of Hokona Hall, forging new friendships and meeting her future husband, Dan. Inspired by her grandmother Amy Irene "Big Mom" Henry and her mother, Julia Ruth, both accomplished artists, Carol embarked on her own artistic journey. Watercolor soon became her medium of choice, and she often spoke of the way they allowed her to capture the delicate beauty of the world around her. She began painting professionally, a passion that would span 45 years.

Carol's artistic journey was marked by evolving styles and techniques. 'I try to put mood, feeling and soul into each painting and leave a little mystery in my watercolors.' Her work was showcased in art festivals and museums, earning her numerous awards and accolades. Notable awards included acceptance into Arts for the Parks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She also received First Place in both the Large and Miniature categories of Master Works of New Mexico, and First Place in the Roswell, NM Museum Exhibit for her large and miniature paintings.

Carol's paintings are in the collections of:

Presbyterian Hospital

Presbyterian Hospital Foundation

New Mexico State Fair - Permanent Collection

United States Air Force Hospital

Albuquerque Veterans Hospital

She shared her love of watercolor through in-person and online classes, inspiring countless students in Albuquerque and beyond. She gave all her students tips from her "Carol's Helpful Hints" handout such as, "Trust yourself.", "Remember to mix your colors; the 'best color' is when you can't figure out what color it is." and "When it comes down to it, do what is best for you and have fun!" Her students will all know about the 'Three Amigos" lesson and other details that she included with her lectures. A dedicated member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society, San Diego Watercolor Society, and National Watercolor Society, Carol was deeply involved in the art community.

Known affectionately in the community as "The Hollyhock Lady," Carol was renowned for her beautiful watercolor paintings of New Mexico adobe buildings adorned with sprays of hollyhocks, as well as her close-up vignettes of flowers and street scenes of Santa Fe Plaza and Taos Pueblo. Her generous spirit led her to donate paintings to special events in Albuquerque, such as Daffodil Days for Presbyterian Hospital or other fundraising events over the years.

Beyond her art, Carol treasured time spent with her family. She delighted in being a grandmother to Emma and Toby, sharing her artistic talents with her granddaughter. She and Dan shared a deep and loving bond, and she enjoyed playing cards and games like Bid whist and Texas hold'em with family and friends. A fierce advocate for those in need, Carol embraced and supported those around her with love and compassion.

A dream for Carol was to travel and see the art she studied in school. This came true later in life for her to experience twice to see Paris and once to London. She reveled in the opportunity to experience the art she had studied firsthand, particularly enjoying the vibrant energy of the Parisian art scene. She was able to enjoy being with family, eating great food and visiting museums like the Louvre or d'Orsay. She commented that the paintings in Paris museums, "have a green color that I've never seen before, it looks so different in person." She especially loved sitting and sketching with her granddaughter, Emma, at the d'Orsay and discussing details of various favorite paintings or sculptures.

An endearing tradition that Carol started was gifting hand painted watercolor bookmarks and prints as special thank yous to those she met on her travels and her friends.

Carol was a lifelong learner and constantly developed her art over the years. She recently started painting "en plein air" style by joining a wet brush group. This required going to various sites around Albuquerque such as the foothills or by the Bosque river. She relished the challenge of painting subjects quickly and with a loose and almost ethereal style. Every moment she was painting was a content and happy place for her.

Carol will be remembered for her kind spirit, her love for her family, creative confidence, and independent nature. A Celebration of Life/Remembrance gathering will be held at the Albuquerque Museum (2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM) on Friday April 4th, 2025 from 1-4pm as an open house event.

Call or Text (505)333-8362 for more information.