Carol Baxter Kirby

Carol Baxter Kirby, a native Georgian and a leader in the field of portraiture, is among the most sought-after portrait artists in America today. Carol’s insightful and intimately portrayed paintings have been honored by her peers at the national level and recognized for outstanding accomplishments in televised media and press. A commitment to the highest standard and a love for people has led to hundreds of commissions that are on display in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, including universities, courthouses, major corporations, and the Georgia State Capitol.

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Carol Baxter Kirby, a native Georgian and a leader in the field of portraiture, is among the most sought-after portrait artists in America today. Carol’s insightful and intimately portrayed paintings have been honored by her peers at the national level and recognized for outstanding accomplishments in televised media and press. A commitment to the highest standard and a love for people has led to hundreds of commissions that are on display in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, including universities, courthouses, major corporations, and the Georgia State Capitol.

Receiving her B.A. from Georgia State University with an emphasis in Illustration, Carol furthered her studies with other professional figurative artists. She is an enthusiastic supporter of arts education and enjoys inspiring other artists by conducting workshops, public speaking, constructive critiquing, mentoring, and writing articles on portrait painting. Carol has served as President and a member of the Advisory Board of the Portrait Society of Atlanta, the oldest portrait art organization in the country, and is a member of many national art organizations.

In December of 2014, Carol and her husband Ronald packed up, downsized, and moved to a high-rise condo in the middle of Midtown, Atlanta. After 34 years in the same dwelling, they answered a call from God to let go of the life they had known and loved to embrace a new life and love for people in the city. The studio has changed from a view of tranquil gardens, birds, and butterflies to the vibrant hustle and bustle of people and vehicles moving about West Peachtree Street. The North light remains constant and the continually changing skyline inspires and encourages Carol as she has adapted to painting in a smaller place with a wide open view.

• Selected Commissions & Collections

  

  • Official Portrait of Governor Roy E. Barnes, Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta, GA

  • Kate Durr Elmore, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA

  • The Honorable John C. Godbold, Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, John C. Godbold Federal Building, Atlanta, GA

  • Governor Roy E. Barnes, The University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, GA

• Honors & Awards

  

  • Selected to paint the official portrait of Governor Roy E. Barnes, which hangs in the Gargio State Capitol, and later commissioned to paint his portrait for the University of Georgia "Hall of Governors"

  • Member of Merit and Residing President for the Portrait Society of Atlanta, the oldest portrait art organization in the country

  • Finalist, Commissioned Portrait Category, Portrait Society of America's 2016 Competition

  • Whistler Award, Portraits, Inc. "The Modern Portrait" exhibition, New York, 2015

  • First Place, Portrait Society of Atlanta exhibition, 2001

  • Thora M. Jensen award, Hudson Valley Art Association

  • Finalist, American Society of Portrait Artists International Competition, 1996

  • Recognized by American Artist magazine as an outstanding national artist in 1995

• Selective Works