Carlton Murrell began exploring his artistic talents by drawing and painting the various lifestyles of his native Barbados. Upon relocating to the US, Murrell pursued a more formal education with the Art Student League of New York from 1968-70 choosing Claude Monet as his major influence. Drawing on the influence of Monet and other European Impressionist painters, Murrell's layering of paints in short strokes and use of colour emerges with a unique painterly style. He combines his rich Caribbean heritage with traditional island and urban living to impact upon the viewer a thought provoking visual message. Mr Murrell has to his credit more than 15 awards, prizes and citations. Among them is the prestigious 'Proclamation for Outstanding Contribution to Caribbean American Art' from the American Biographical Institute.