Carl has been exhibiting his art
and entering competitions since 1942. Immediately after graduating from high school in 1945, he enlisted in the army, ending up with the 20th Air Force stationed on Guam. There he became staff artist for the 20th. Discharged in 1947, Carl attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 1950.

Over the next 40 years, Carl was deeply involved in art, the community, raising a family, all the while working in the family furniture business.

Upon his retirement, Carl discovered soft pastels and since then has worked exclusively in this medium, receiving numerous awards in national and international competitions. Carl co-founded and remains involved in The Great Lakes Pastel Society.

Carl's paintings show the interaction of objects aging with those just coming of age. Geometric, man-made structures, static and beautiful, slowly become ordinary. At the same time, the surrounding natural environment just as slowly evolves and begins to flourish.

Carl is a long time signature member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA). In 2005, he was one of the original ten artists inducted into the prestigious Master's Circle by the International Association of Pastel Societies.

“To an artist, painting, regardless of medium, is an ever-changing challenge to express what the artist truly SEES, not just looks at.”

Paintings © Carl Forslund, top to bottom: Eventide, 26x20; Reflections , 22x18; Shoreline at Sunset, 24x18; Three Green Roofs, 24x18