Carleton studied Economics and Art History at Arizona State and the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1974. His interest in Native American culture and his Scot-Irish ancestry is evident in his choice of subject matter for his paintings. He is grateful to have had outstanding teachers like Frank Wetzel, Pat Jerde, Fred Dingler, Joe Paquet, Rick Kochenash and Marc Hanson. "Learning to see like an artist has enriched my life. My hope is that my paintings will enrich the lives of others."