Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Blair.
Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My fate was sealed upon receiving my first box of 64 Crayola crayons, the one with the tiers of colors and the sharpener in the back. After years of painting realistic landscapes and working outdoors I decided that I wanted abstract paintings in my own house and I wanted them large. At that time, 15 years ago, I already had gallery representation in several cities and I wasn’t sure that the new work would find a home but galleries and clients embraced the work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Painting in sizes up to 7 feet x 7 feet can present challenges. Bee Street Gallery in Dallas has been a champion of my work for a long time. They continue to educate collectors and find homes for paintings. Having canvases constructed by Professional Art Services in Richmond VA, using Kyle Parfait Art Movers and having an ace helper for website development and maintenance keeps me from being overwhelmed by all the behind the scenes work. It took a long time to realize that the best use of my time is to be in front of my easel.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Exuberant color is a hallmark of my work. I love mixing color and coming up with a palette that sings. Even the most abstract work has notations of the landscape, a horizon line, shapes of flowers or trees or a coursing river. I am proud that I took the leap into abstraction and that I am unafraid to work on large canvases.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Being an artist feels like a calling. It is what I am meant to do in the time I have on this earth. I never take for granted that I am able to make a living doing something I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karenblairartist.com
- Instagram: karenblairartist
