Carla Romero is a self-taught artist whose lifelong passion for drawing began in early childhood and evolved into a distinguished painting career spanning more than 25 years.

Born in Colorado, Romero maintains a deep connection to the mountains, wildlife, and natural landscapes of the American West. Equally influential is her affinity for the cultures and spirit of the Southwest and Native American traditions. A pivotal moment came in 1987 during her first visit to Taos Pueblo—an experience that profoundly shaped her artistic vision and set her on the path to becoming a professional artist. She began her career in a Taos gallery while still employed in retail, transitioning to painting full-time within a year.

Romero works primarily in watercolor, with additional exploration in acrylic on canvas. Her work is distinguished by a bold, expressive use of color and a strong emotional resonance that captures the essence of her subjects. Her paintings are exhibited in fine art galleries across Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, and have earned her widespread recognition as a leading painter of the Southwest.

In 2006, Romero was selected as the featured artist for Legacy Art Albuquerque, following notable artists such as Amado Peña, Dave McGary, JD Challenger, and Tom Wheeler. Her original works and limited-edition prints are highly collectible and held in both private and corporate collections throughout the United States and internationally.

Central to Romero’s creative process is her spiritual perspective. She views her artistic inspiration as a gift, beginning each painting with a prayer and concluding with gratitude. This practice imbues her work with a sense of depth and spiritual awareness that resonates with collectors and viewers alike.