Carla grew up in Ohio in a family of

creative individuals. Her own artistic skills

were apparent at a very early age and

blossomed more as she grew. By age 11,

she was showing her art in local art fairs

and events accumulating best of show

awards throughout Ohio and Indiana.

She attended Anderson University where

she grew her talent and knowledge of art

with a major in Art Education. It is here that

she became inspired by the brush work of

Eastern cultures, developing a 

quality that is still apparent in her work.

After receiving her Master’s degree in

painting from Miami University (Ohio) Carla

taught art before becoming an artist full-

time in the late 70s. 

" I chose the Berkshire area as my residence,

to develop my style. 

The natural beauty of the terrain inspires

me — from the mountains and rolling

hills to the streams, waterfalls, and

birch groves. Over the years, my gardens

have become an additional source of

inspiration for my luminous painting style

​

I continue to enjoy teaching adult painting

workshops, and meeting artists with different

perspectives and talents.

Working back and forth between 2 dimensional

painting, and the 3 dimensional ceramic art

enriches my artistic development,

and challenges my perspecitves." 

​

Carla Niehaus