There’s More to the Story
PAINTING WITH BRUSH & HISTORY
Look closer and you will discover richly layered surfaces and narrative-driven compositions as Carrie weaves together vintage book pages, historical imagery and handwritten text with expressive brushstrokes creating work that is timeless and tells a story that continues to resonate today.
Beneath the Brushstrokes
Carrie Penley
Look beyond the saddled horse and you'll discover a celebration of the American cowgirl—women whose strength, independence, and adventurous spirit helped shape the American West. I spend time searching vintage shops and antique markets for old photographs, books, magazines, and sheet music that bring a sense of history and nostalgia to my work. These authentic fragments of the past are woven into my paintings, creating layers of storytelling that give each piece a timeless quality.
Throughout this painting, vintage photographs of cowgirls on horseback capture their remarkable skill, confidence, and determination. Phrases like "Still in the Saddle," "Hold Your Horses," and "Unpack the Pleasure of Pursuit" add a touch of humor while celebrating women who embraced adventure and found joy in pursuits traditionally dominated by men.
These women weren't simply challenging expectations. They were forging their own paths, enjoying the ride, and demonstrating the freedom and confidence that have come to define the cowgirl spirit.
A celebration of women who were capable, courageous, and unapologetically themselves.
Horse Girl
mixed media on canvas
40 x 40
“Hidden beneath the surface, my work explores the relationship between the natural world and enduring spirit of determination that has shaped the American story.”
carrie penley
Shop Prints
15x22 on tan art paper with deckled edge