Carol Armstrong
b 1954
Carol Armstrong is a proud Cherokee Delaware artist from Oklahoma whose work in figurative and landscape painting reflects a deep commitment to traditional realism. Working primarily in oils on canvas, Carol uses handmade Vasari paints and classic hog hair bristle brushes, honoring the craft with each stroke. She especially loves painting the colorful figures of her cherished Native American Heritage, capturing moments of life, spirit and story through her brush.
From an early age, Carol pursued on unwavering goal: to become a Master Painter. She studied at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her dedication to the arts extended beyond the studio when she began teaching at the Firehouse Art Center in Norman Oklahoma, where she quickly became an inspiration to hundreds if not thousand of students. Carol taught for 40 years, nurturing creativity and technical skill in others while continuing to evolve a a painter herself. In recognition of her lasting impact as a teacher and artist, Carol was honored with the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award, an accolade made especially meaningful because it came through the heartfelt nominations of her students.
Now retired from teaching, Carol paints full-time and continues to follow her passion with the same joy and determination that launched her journey decades ago.
2024 Jacobson House Juried Show, Peoples Choice Award
2024 Seven-State Biennial Exhibition, Third Place
2023 Red Earth Festival, Third Place
2016 Oklahoma Governor’s Award recipient for the Community Service Award for the Arts
2014 Norman Chamber of Commerce Business & the Arts Award
1998 Southwestern Bell Corp. Award
1998 Lawton Junior Service League, Best of Show
1997 OAG Juried Exhibition, Second Place
1997 Now Juried Exhibition, Honorable Mention
1986 OAG Juried Exhibition, Equal Merit
1986 Patrons Watercolor Gala, Special Merit
1985 OAG Juried Exhibition, Equal Merit
Medium: Painting
I work in the realistic tradition using oil paints on canvas, with the finest materials available, applying archival practices and techniques used by the masters, assuring my works will stand the test of time. I study, research, work from models and my photographs to create works of art that will be truthful to my subject.