Carl Plansky was a fiercely independent artist who believed in the power of personal expression through painting. Rejecting fleeting art-world trends, he fully embraced the philosophy of the abstract expressionists, staying true to his belief that “the art world is cool and [I am] too hot and passionate.” His work, marked by bold color, dynamic brushwork, and emotional intensity, remains a testament to his unwavering artistic vision. Maintaining studios in Brooklyn, East Meredith, NY, and Budapest, Hungary, Plansky dedicated his life to painting, teaching, and perfecting his materials. He studied under and was deeply influenced by Joan Mitchell, a close friend and mentor. Painting in her Vetheuil, France, studio, he endured her famously sharp critiques, which helped shape his expressive landscapes. His work, drawn from direct observation, is distinguished by pitch-perfect color, elegant compositions, and a profound sense of movement.Beyond his own practice, Plansky was a passionate and influential teacher, guiding students at esteemed colleges and institutions, including a return to the New York Studio School in 2004 as a faculty member. His dedication to the craft of oil painting extended beyond the canvas—he began making small batches of handmade oil paint in the 1980s for himself and fellow artists. This endeavor eventually became Williamsburg Oil Paint for Artists, now recognized as one of the world’s premier oil paint brands, used by leading artists today. Carl Plansky passed away in 2009 at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy of fearless creativity, masterful craftsmanship, and an enduring impact on both painting and the materials that bring it to life.