Carranza had her first exhibit in 1996 at Marlbough Gallery in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, followed by multiple exhibits at various Los Angeles galleries, including a solo exhibit of her Maria Felix paintings in 2001 at El Pueblo Gallery. She has enjoyed a solo show at Carlotta's Passion in Los Angeles, representation at Centerlight Gallery and Eagle Fine Art in La Jolla, and Soho Gallery in Studio City. Her work has been honored with a one-woman exhibit at the Cultural Center and Museum in Ensenada, following an exhibit of David Alvaro Siqueiros. Carranza's paintings have been exhibited at the Museum of Latin America Art in Long Beach, Latino Art Museum in Claremont, and the Museum of Man in San Diego.
Among her achievements, including commissioned paintings for legendary Carlos Santana and Oscar de la Hoya, Maldef honored her painting, "Everlasting Bond" with a series of lithographs awarded to honorees such as President Vicente Fox of Mexico. Her vibrant art has graced the pages of Latina Magazine, including an article written about her and her decision to switch careers from graphic designer to full-time visual artist and painter. The American Heart Association commissioned 50 limited edition prints for their benefactors. People en Español Magazine has used her paintings several times for their Christmas cards. Her story appears in the coffee table two volume set — "Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art", a book chronicling emerging and established artists in the United States of Mexican descent. Most recently, Maria Maria restaurants display Carranza's "Madagascar Jasmine" canvas prints with Santana's album cover artists.
Irene Carranza's collectors include the actor Matthew McConaughy, boxing champion Oscar de la Hoya, legendary musician Carlos Santana, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard and Edward T. Allard III, Mitsubishi Motors, People en Español's publisher Lisa Quiroz, Wescom Credit Union, Los Angeles's City Hall and Watts Towers, Congressman Xavier Becerra, Dolores Huerta, Mexico's Jose Jose and Juan Gabriel, Spain's Carlos Baute, Arizona State University, University of Texas, and San Antonio Winery.
Though she considers herself a Los Angeles artist, she is currently living in San Diego while maintaining her connection to the L.A. art scene. She is currently represented by Fremont Gallery.