Carl Lawless, a native of Illinois, studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts prior to World War I. As a recipient of the Cresson traveling scholarship from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, he studied in Europe after the war's end. Upon his return he relocated to Pennsylvania. He became enchanted by the shore town of Mystic, Connecticut when visiting a married couple with whom he had studied in Europe. He later purchased a home in Mystic in 1925 and immediately became an active member in the budding local art association.

The most notable aspect of Lawless’ approach to landscape painting is his ability to incorporate the authentic, serene geometry of nature. His bold and vigorous style is also characterized by highly structured forms, rich hues, and emphasis on the effects of natural light.

Over the course of his career, Lawless was awarded prizes in exhibitions at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, the Connecticut Academy of Fine Art, the National Academy of Design, and the New Haven Paint and Clay Club. He exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery, the MacBeth Gallery, Grand Central Galleries, the New Haven Paint and Clay Club, and the Wadsworth Athenaeum. In addition to the Mystic Art Association, Lawless was a member of the New Haven Paint and Clay Club and the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts.