Carol Adelman is a painter who uses a sensual, aggressive approach to materials that borders on abstraction. Through her vigorous approach, she arrives at a surface that is both image and sculptural relief. Her work pushes traditional forms to embody contemporary ideas of constructed identity and a fragmented self. The lifelong bedrock of her studio practice is the live study of the human form.

Working primarily from observation and its imprint on her imagination, she melds observed figures, domestic objects and spaces with art historical sources into tableaus that explore the layered inner and outer forces forming identity.

Carol Adelman’s early work began with portraits that focus on the inner life of the sitter over multiple sittings. Portraiture remains an important element of her practice and she continues to accept commissions made from life on a limited basis.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Carol Adelman received her MFA from the University of Washington and her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. Among other venues, her work has been exhibited at Gallery 110, Davidson Gallery, Bellevue Art Museum in Seattle and at the Bowery Gallery in New York. A highly experienced educator, Carol Adelman has held academic positions at Louisiana State University, Kutztown University, Dickinson College, and the University of Washington.

Carol Adelman is currently living in the Seattle area with her husband Malcolm Little Kennedy and maintains an active studio practice in Ballard’s Building C.