You Can Make It What You Want But It's Still A Pig, Encaustic Diptych on Wood, 16 x 24 inches

You Can Make It What You Want But It's Still A Pig, Encaustic on Wood 16 x 24 inches 

Like Agate, Revisited, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 18 x 18 inches

Like Agate, Revisited
Encaustic on Wood Panel
18 x 18 inches

Untitled, Encaustic and Ink on wood, 24 x 30 inches

Untitled, Encaustic and Ink on wood, 24 x 30 inches

What Happened Next, Encaustic on wood, 16 x 16 inches (framed)

What Happened Next, Encaustic on wood, 16 x 16 inches (framed)

Skin, Encaustic on Wood Pieces, 18 x 18 inches

Really excited about this new perspective I have taken. Using wood pieces to create a patchwork was a very different experience. It was like having multiple mini art pieces to create and put together. I loved having the idea in my mind come to fruition!

Skin, Encaustic on Wood Pieces, 18 x18 inches

Side angle view of Skin, Encaustic on Wood Pieces, 18 x18 inches

The Start of Something New, Encaustic & Mixed Media, 5 x 7 inches

The Start of Something New by Karen Ross
Encaustic & Mixed Media on Wood Panel
5 x 7 inches

This piece is a donation to the Humboldt Arts Council in Eureka, California. They are holding a 5x7 Exhibition & Art Splurge from May 7 through May 22nd. The work--which will be anonymous to the viewer--will be displayed as a huge colorful grid in the Anderson Gallery at the Morris Graves Museum of Art. Paintings can be purchased for $100 ($75 for current HAC members), making the art accessible to everyone.

A Group Exhibit UPDATE!

I finally got a chance last weekend to see the beautiful CLC "Recent Works" exhibit that I blogged about here. The work in the show was very special. Here are some photos I took when we visited.

My painting Simply Put is the second one from the left

You can see this painting in greater detail here

Me and Simply Put

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed)

A while back, I blogged about the great custom frame my mom found for the painting I gave her. You can see it here. Well, after seeing that frame I knew I had to have a painting (or 2) framed with it! The universe aligned with my wish when a brand new Hobby Lobby opened down the street from me and they carry the exact same custom frame! I am more than happy with the result! There's a really cool curve to the frame. Hope you can see it from the different angles below.Take a look and let me know what you think! 

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed)
Photo taken in daylight

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed) 
Photo taken in daylight

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed) 
Photo in daylight

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed)
View from above taken at night

A Group Exhibit!

I was so happy to have my piece, "Simply Put" (http://www.artforcoffeessake.blogspot.com/2015/07/simply-put-encaustic-on-wood-panel.html) be selected for the Recent Works: 35th Annual Juried Exhibition (10/9/15-11/15/15) at The Robert T. Wright Gallery in The College of Lake County.
This gallery is new to me but has been around since the '80s. I like how it's glass enclosed and situated within an active atmosphere. I hope you get a chance to check it out!

Above and below is the postcard for the show:

Unfortunately, I couldnt attend the opening night party, but I was lucky enough to find a great photo on Facebook taken by encaustic artist Cindy Martin Lesperance showing exactly where they placed my painting! Love it!

Sin, Encaustic & Mixed media on Wood Panel, 20x20 inches

Sin, Encaustic & Mixed media on Wood Panel, 20x20 inches

Converted, Encaustic on Wood, 18 1/2 x 9 5/16 inches (unframed)

Converted, Encaustic on Wood,
18 1/2 x 9 5/16 inches (unframed)

Simply Put, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 20x16x2 inches

Great to be back in the studio. The weather was perfect to work. Feeling a minimalist vibe, but you can see how my colors had to come through!  Enjoying the tension between the rough and smooth. Played with some new textural and embedding techniques. Excited to continue the new explorations. Thanks for viewing. More to come!

Simply Put, Encaustic on Wood Panel,
20x16x2 inches

Simply Put, Encaustic on Wood Panel,
20x16x2 inches
Close Up of Color Detail
(click to see in greater detail)

Momentum, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 16x20x2 inches

Momentum, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 16x20x2 inches

Momentum, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 16x20x2 inches

Commissioned Triptych: Untitled, Encaustic on Wood each 12x12 unframed, 14x14 framed

These 3 pieces were commissioned for a private residence. The client requested 3 square 12x12 inch paintings to be hung vertically. They wanted an earthy and textural feel that reflected some personal aspects of their lives. More detailed pictures to come after the install, so please enjoy these for now!

Commissioned Triptych: Untitled, Encaustic on Wood, Each 14x14 Framed

Below are some close-ups of each piece.
Please click on each photo for a more detailed view

Inside Outside, Encaustic on Wood, 12 x 16 inches

Inside Outside, Encaustic on Wood, 12 x 16 inches

Completed! Tribal Redux, Encaustic on Wood,12x12 inches (Unframed)

My last post showed this piece as a work in progress:(http://artforcoffeessake.blogspot.com/2014/08/work-in-progress-tribal-redux-encaustic.html?m=1)

It's finally complete and just needs a frame and a good home!

Tribal Redux, Encaustic on wood,12x12 (unframed)

Work In Progress: Tribal Redux, Encaustic on Wood, 12x12 inches (unframed)

I have never shared a WIP (work in progress) before, so here goes. I wanted to share a little more about my process so here is a taste.  You can see what my work space is like and the tools at hand. Plastic fork, check. Clothespin, check...if you only saw the rest. Let's save that for another day, shall we?

Work In Progress: Tribal Redux,  Encaustic on Wood, 12x12 inches (unframed)

Tribal Patchwork, Encaustic on wood, Approx 37 x 38 inches

I needed something substantial to fill a big blahhhh wall space in the family room. The last painting I had there just wasn't big enough. This 37 x 38 inches encaustic painting seemed to do the trick and blends well with my earthy vibe while sharing pops of color that my family room is longing for. Yes, my family room has feelings...that I project on it. So here is Tribal Patchwork....

Tribal Patchwork, Encaustic on Wood, Approx 37 x 38 inches (click on image to see greater detail) 

Perspective of wall size

Close up details of left side

Close up details of right side

Close up details of lower left side

New Tribal II Finds His Tribe

Made this guy a little over a year ago (where does the time go?), and much like many of my paintings waiting to be adopted, I never found a place to hang it. Finally, yesterday, I was reminded of an interesting spot I had been toying with. I think it works.  What do you think?

Biological Needs & Their Consequences, Encaustic and watercolor on wood, 12 × 12 × 2 inches

Running In The Same Circles, Encaustic and watercolor on wood, 12×12×2 inches

Get Away, Encaustic on Wood, 23h x 25 1/2w inches, unframed

Back in the studio. Tying up loose ends. Here's to a new season...

Get Away, Encaustic on Wood, 23h x 25 1/2 w inches, unframed

Encaustic In Nature Exhibit at The Art Center in Highland Park, IL Runs March 7 to April 1, 2014

Jenny Learner, a wonderful encaustic artist and teacher, curated the recent exhibit at The Art Center, Encaustic Nature In Art and I was so happy and honored to be chosen to be in such a lovely show! Below are some photos from the Opening Reception on March 7, 2014.

My little piece, In The Groove

Feeling proud...and my scarf matches! It's a good day!

I wasn't kidding when I said it was little!

Below are some other pieces from other artists in the show--Enjoy!

The show runs from March 7 to April 1, 2014