Karen F Rose My Painting Journey

Monday, January 23, 2012

Painting Horse and Rider, Waiting to Ride, pastel painting

Waiting to Ride
© 2010 Karen F. Rose
pastel on board
On exhibit EQUUS The Art of the Horse
Cofrin Arts Center
Gainesville, FL
"My horse teaches me everything I need to know about myself." 
Not too long ago I watched a young lady as she was preparing to enter the show ring at a local equestrian event in Newberry, FL. She was focused. In her mind she was rehearsing each of the jumps she and her horse would make.
Communication between the rider and horse is so important as you approach a jump. And being a competition, the horse and rider are judged in just a few fleeting moments.

Capturing this young lady in her intensity, in the moment in pastel was my goal.
She was waiting, anxious but prepared and ready to ride.

I donated a painting called "In the Moment" to the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation's Noche de Gala Event at the Besilu Collection in Micanopy, FL. To see that painting, click on the tab "horse paintings" at the top of the page. 

That painting's focus was the beauty and intensity of the horse or better stated "the graceful athlete". 

Florida is horse country. All over the state you can enjoy watching many hunter/jumper, dressage and driving competitions and events. Lush beautiful horse farms with expansive pasture land dot the landscape. 
Are you a rider or is someone in your family? Would love to hear what you have learned about yourself from your horse.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Invisible Paris - The Mystery Solved

The Mysterious Paris Building


Those of you that have been reading my blog know that I not only post about my own painting journey and artwork, but I love to introduce a few art topics that I think you might find of interest.

When on our a trip to Paris I couldn't help noticing this very unusual building while on a walk in the 12th arrondissement. I was on an elevated walkway with lots of trees and shrubs and I could only see the top of the building.
The figures on the building looked familiar like, The Dying Slave sculpture by Michelangelo, but I was in a residential section of Paris and this was a modern structure.

I have taken a fair amount of art history/architecture in college, but I was stumped.
Who was the architect and what was this building's intended use?
After some searching on the internet I discovered the blog, Invisible Paris.
Adam, the author of the blog said,
"Seen something in Paris that has caught your eye but remains a mystery, or ever wondered about obscure people or events in the city's past"? 
So I emailed him. 
And to my surprise and delight, he took the time to solve the mystery! 
His response is so thorough with additional pictures, you will be fascinated to learn more.
Here is the link to his marvelous blog post 
Challenge 7: Curious figures on the Avenue Daumesnil in Invisible Paris.
Thank you Adam.
You can download his Invisible Paris tours on your IPhone.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

EQUUS: The Art of the Horse at the Cofrin Arts Center - Oak Hall School

Morning Ride
© 2010 Karen F. Rose
pastel on board
available

As a late entry, my name is not on the poster for this event, but I am so please to be included in the exhibition. Better late than never, huh!
My two pastels, Morning Ride, Waiting to Ride and my oil painting Mimic are part of an outstanding show EQUUS: The Art of the Horse at the Cofrin Arts Center Gallery at Oak Hall School in Gainesville FL. The show runs January 13 to Feb 17, 2012 and includes many top regional artists and is curated by Gary Bone.

Please join us at the artist's reception Friday, Jan 20 from 7 - 9 p.m. 

As an added bonus, live horses will also be present at the opening in the courtyard behind the art gallery.
Cofrin Arts Center Gallery Hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To view more of my horse paintings and the three that are in the show just click on the tab at the top of this page called horse paintings

"Do you paint equine commissions?", Yes, I love painting horses and horse portraits. I would love to capture the beauty and spirit of your horse. Just email me at Karen@karenfrose.com  for more details.

Gallop don't just walk over to see this exhibit... you will love the art! 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Opening Reception for 2012 Florida Artists Juried Exhibition

You are invited
You are cordially invited to the opening reception, this Friday, for the 2012 Florida Artists Juried Exhibition hosted by Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. The show is sponsored by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association. The juror and judge for the show is Dr. Jack King, Professor of Art at the University of Tampa.  
Over 200 images were submitted to the show and Dr. King juried in 40 pieces. There are truly stunning pieces in this show and I am honored to be a part of this exciting exhibit.
My oil painting,The Sentinel hangs at the entrance of the exhibit. I am especially pleased at the location as it is representative of the mood and spirit of the painting.
The President's Gallery is located on the second floor of the Administration Building
Open Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
The President's Gallery is located on the second floor of the Administration Building.
Driving Directions
Take I-75 to exit 390 (old 77)
Turn Right on to NW 39th Avenue 
Turn Right on to NW 83 Street then turn onto Administration Blvd.
Free visitor parking is a available in front of the building and around the circle on the right.

Enjoy the exhibit.