Karen F Rose My Painting Journey

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Coming Home

Coming Home
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
available


My father was a fisherman on the small lakes in Michigan where I grew up and then again in Florida when he retired. I often think of him out on the lake, well into the twilight hours as he would try to catch just one more. The lights from the cottages across the lake would barely be visible and we would hear that sound of an outboard motor as he would head back to shore and we knew he was coming home. 
My mom who is 94 and I reminisced the other day, about the time he went out into the Gulf of Mexico with an elderly gentleman. The motor in the neighbor's little boat failed on them halfway into their fishing adventure. 
Late at night the coast guard helicopter saw them floating at sea...the two old men and the sea.
Thankfully they were rescued, but my father did not venture out into the Gulf in a boat without two motors ever again.
Come in to the gallery and tell us your fishing story....everyone has one.



Monday, September 23, 2013

Golden Meditation..Melt into the Twilight

Golden Meditation
© Karen F Rose
oil on canvas
16" x 20"
available
My painting, Golden Meditation received a supreme compliment the other day from a lady who came into the gallery. I saw her just lost in thought staring at the painting.
I waited then approached her and asked, "Seems like you are enjoying the painting"?
She paused, smiled, softly sighed and said,
"If this painting was in my home I would come home from work, sit down and just get lost in it ...melt into the twilight."

Wow did that make my heart sing. Thank you!
If you would like to see the painting in person, it's on exhibit at Melrose Bay Art Gallery in Melrose, FL. I also have paintings you might enjoy at The High Springs Art Co-op through the month of September.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Painting the Nocturne

Ephemeral Light
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
36" x 48"
Private collection

Nocturne painting is a term used to describe a painting that depicts a scene evocative of night or a very dimly lit scene such as at twilight.
The tonalist painters of the late 19th and early 20 century have been a hugh influence on my painting style. Creating a painting to view in quiet contemplation and meditation is my hope.  
This painting Ephermeral Light has been in the works for several months and now is in it's new home.
One of the challenges of painting "in the dark" is you have a limited view of your palette. Here's an example of how I light my easel with Mighty Brite book lights.
Karen F. Rose Easel


For me, I am not seeking to give a detailed description of the place but rather a warm washed memory of the moment.

If you enjoy seeing my paintings please join my email list, and if you are in the Gainesville, Fl area I have several paintings on exhibit at
The High Springs Art Co-op and the Melrose Bay Art Gallery

Friday, September 20, 2013

New Member in St Augustine Art Association

St Augustine Art Association

So pleased to be a brand new member of the St. Augustine Art Association and have my tonalist oil painting The Sentinel 
on display through September 29th. 
Hope you might have a chance to see the Fall member show. 
St. Augustine, founded in 1565 is the oldest city in the United States with lots of charm. history and art. 
If you visit, you might consider staying at

The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast Inn in St. Augustine, a victorian gem with private balconies that overlook the Matanzas Bay and is just a block or two from the St. Augustine Art Association.
Here's a link to the St. Augustine Art Association to get directions and hours.
Have fun.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Hanging Art Salon Style

Beach Light
© Karen F Rose
oil on canvas
12 x 9"
click to view and purchase
available
For the last several weeks I have loved waking up, seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean.
When I am at home in Gainesville, Fl, the sunrise on the horizon is blocked by a large thicket of oak and pine trees.
Here, only a few sea oats sway in the breeze.

Waiting for the Light, oil on canvas, is part of The Light Falls Softly at the High Springs Art Co-op in High Springs, FL an exhibit through September.
If you see the exhibit, I'd love to hear from you.
The Light Falls Softly
Karen F. Rose paintings
High Springs, FL
In a previous post, I mentioned a link that describes the French history behind this ceiling to floor style of hanging art.... style. 
Today I am posting this link to a youtube video on how to hang art in your home in this way
So get out the hammer and picture hooks and get going....Happy Monday!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

The Light Lies Softly

The Light Lies Softly
© Karen F Rose
High Springs Art Co-op
High Springs, Fl
on exhibit through September


Here's a peek at my featured artist exhibit at High Springs Art Co-op in High Springs, FL.
The opening night was so much fun and I appreciate each and everyone that came out on opening night.
There are 18 paintings, pastels and one archival print of mine on exhibit. This gallery is a co-op of talented friendly artists and so enthusiastic. What a joy to be there.
The gallery is chock full of art and each artist has a wall space that rotates every several months. When you walk in the door you will immediately see the space for the Artist of the Month.
The gallery is hung in a Salon Style. Here's a rather interesting article about the history of this type of display: Salon Style

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Together, oil on canvas

Together
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
8 x 8"
available

Sitting with family and friends watching the ever changing light and it's reflections off the water.  Memories of great times by "the lake".

Do you have a seaside beach or lake cottage that you love?
Enjoy your time together.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Dawn's Early Light, oil on canvas

By Dawn's Early Light
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
12 x 24"
available
There is such a comfort and peace in the predawn hours. If you are an early riser, you know what I mean. The silence, the twinkling of stars and the sound of just a few birds who are early risers too.

This painting Dawn's Early Light is a September 11 memory painting for me.

Growing up in the midwest, this would be a familiar predawn sight. Seeing a farm house in the distance with just a few lights glowing in the dark. On this day work had already begun to harvest the apple orchards.
.
Then, in a few hours, our world would be forever changed.
Remembering that day and wishing you peace.

Monday, September 9, 2013

The Weather Channel John Constable Style

The Promise of a New Day
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
8 10"
available click to view framed
Earlier this year I had a chance to visit the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, CT to study several of English landscape painter John Constable's cloud studies on exhibit. These are small works that he kept in his studio and never really intended to sell. They were preliminary studies for larger works.

My painting The Promise of a New Day is a study after one of his studies! He was well known for being very precise in notations of the atmospheric conditions, the prevailing weather conditions, direction of the light and time of day on the back of his sketches. 
Constable paintings
photo © Karen F. Rose
Yale Center for British Art
New Haven, CT
View of the sunny day in New Haven from the museum window
photo © Karen F. Rose


And speaking of weather. On Friday night, the opening of my art exhibit in High Springs, the rain came down in buckets.
So here's a special thank you to all who came out to the exhibit. Thanks!
I had a chance to talk to old and new friends and had a wonderful time despite the  rain clouds.
The Light Falls Softly exhibit is on through the month of September.
If you enjoy reading my blog posts, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter.

Friday, September 6, 2013

The Light Falls Softly Art Opening, High Springs Co-op, Friday, September 6, 2013

Cobalt Blue Breeze
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
20 x 16"

My oil painting, Cobalt Blue Breeze, is an impression of a glorious day by the ocean. Can't you just see it on the wall of your beach cottage?
Hope it brings you pleasant memories of your beach vacation with children or grandchildren or quiet moments walking the beach with that refreshing breeze welcoming you to a beach day.

Tonight is the opening of The Light Falls Softly, my month long art exhibit at the High Springs Art Co-op in High Springs, FL.
Gallery hours are listed in a previous post.

So pleased when the Gainesville Sun newspaper featured my oil painting
Daybreak Kanapaha Prairie in the centerfold of the arts section of the Scene.

Gainesville Sun Newspaper
Scene Section New and Notable

Probably the ONLY and best kind of centerfold picture I will ever have!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Choiceless as a Beach

Soft Light
© Karen F Rose
oil on canvas
6x6" (12 x 12") framed
available
  

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea".  Anne Morrow Lindberg

Have always loved that quote since I first read her book Gift From the Sea many years ago. 
This painting Soft Light is a reminder to me to be patient. 
Do you know someone who could use that gentle hint?
Soft Light is one of 18 works that are part of my painting exhibit at the High Springs Artist Co-op which opens tomorrow evening, Friday. September 6 from 7 to 9 pm.
If you are in the area, I'd love for you to stop by and see this lovely cooperative gallery. Overflowing with the creativity of all the member artists, you are sure to find something to delight. 

I am fortunate to have my art on exhibit during the month of September at several venues. in addition to High Springs Art Co-op,  Melrose Bay Art Gallery in Melrose, FL and also at the Saint Augustine Art Association's Fall Member Show.
I look forward to becoming more involved with that group of wonderful artists.
And of course, my art it's always available on my web site. www.karenfrose.com




Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Light Falls Softly Art Exhibit at High Springs Art Co-op

Cumulus Illusion
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
30 x 40"
available
High Springs Art Co-op
High Springs, FL
Countdown to the opening of my featured guest artist exhibit at the High Springs Art Co-op in High Springs, FL begins today.
I will be delivering 16 oil and pastel paintings for The Light Falls Softly, my painting exhibit during the month of September at the gallery.
The opening reception is this Friday, September 6 from 7 to 9 PM.

High Springs Art Co-Op
115 North Main Street
High Springs, FL 32643

386-454-1808
Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm
Mon. - Thurs. 11am - 5pm

Fri. and Sat 11 - 8 pm

The Light Falls Softly Opening reception 
Friday, September 6, 7 to 9 PM

The vast open expanse and clouds that drift and float somewhat aimlessly are warm well washed memories of summer days for me and I hope for you.
Cloudscapes and the play of light within them are something I love to paint and I hope you'll come out to the gallery and join me this Friday evening.
Would love to meet you.