Discover the Art of Cara Emilia Gregor

Well, now you know my full name ;)

I’d like to say that I was born with a paintbrush in hand and that creating art has always been a part of my life, but I wasn’t. Not really. A better way to describe my artistic journey would be that I was born looking for my paintbrush. I knew it was there, but I wasn't quite sure how to find it.

An intense desire to create visual art has always been a part of me. As a child, it was a natural way for me to make my mark and make some sense of the world around me. Actually to be honest, even as an adult this is still how I feel about art-making at my core.  Creativity is my sanctuary and throughout my life, I have had to stand up for it, defend it, nurture it, and love it.

I grew up in a small town in a middle-class family where a productive work ethic and strong character were valued above all else.  There was time for family dinners, schoolwork, chores, and sports, but not for art.  Art was something we did to stay quiet on rainy days or when all the other work was done. This was the family I grew up with and loved, but when it came to art, we were very different.  Making art was something that held a deeper place inside of me and I could not ignore or dismiss it.

Growing up as I did, I was also not exposed to art or had access to many art-making tools. The art in my world lay with Crayola and spent most of my childhood and teen years never stepping foot in an art store or even knowing they existed. It wasn’t until high school when my friend took me to an art store, to buy paints and canvas that I discovered acrylic painting. It was that same friend who took me to Europe a year later to introduce me to the whole world of art and changed my life forever.

Let me tell you! My first chance to paint was like love at first sight! Then once I was also introduced to Vincent Van Gough (Yes I know so cliche but what’s a small-town girl to do?), I was completely hooked.

Painting became my life and how I valued my time. I spent hours in my room teaching myself how to work with the colors, layer them, and experiment with how the paints worked together. I taught myself how to put a painting together by observation as well as opened myself up to complete creation from ideas and thoughts. I made good paintings, but mostly bad ones.  It didn’t matter. The more I painted, the more I loved it.

Fast forward to today and I still love painting above all else.  When I am painting I am my very best self.  I started working as an intuitive painter in 2017 and from there, I have continued to open up my world of creation into new realms and concepts.  I have also explored illustration, crafting, jewelry making, and more.  Always opening myself up to art and creativity. I can now say:

I am an intuitive, artist living in Sacramento, California with my husband, Benjamin, and my dear little dog, Jacques Cousteau. My work is inspired by bright colors, bold shapes, and a spiritual connection to my creative voice.  In my work, I try to bring joy and inspiration to others with my intuitive process.

I have shown work on several occasions at select art functions, galleries, and venues in California. Most recently my collection “Move Like Water” was shown at the ARTHOUSE in Sacramento, CA.  I am also a published illustrator and teach intuitive painting classes and workshops at my local community center.  Check out my Creative Portfolio to see more of the work I have created.

I wholeheartedly believe that everyone can enjoy the creative process and I encourage all of us to pick up a paintbrush with an open heart to give creating a try.

You can also connect with me on Instagram @caraemiliaart