Karen Eide

Stay....

2011-07-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hop over to my new blog home to see the full image....

Workshop News

2011-05-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've had a flurry of workshops with several more coming in June. Saturday's advanced Encaustic and Mixed Media Lab in my studio was wonderful. I made a gourmet veggie lunch and see what David surprised us with at lunch visit here......

I've moved..........

2011-04-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

I've recently moved my blog to Word Press - so I could have my website & blog under one "roof". I may do an occasional post here so stay with me and do bookmark my new blog! And, please please please let me know how you like my new site!
Just to keep you up-to-date ....here is my latest IllustrationFriday.com post. Theme: Bottled

Toy

2011-03-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

IF - Toy

bye bye birdie!

Cultivate

2011-03-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

IF's theme: Cultivate

"The Seed Scatterers" 12 x 12 Encaustic + Mixed media ©2011 K. Eide

If all goes well, by next week my blog will reside in Word Press.
Thank you Blogger, you've been wonderful!

Illustration Friday

2011-03-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

"not a creature was stirring....." Watercolor, ink, digital

Illustration Friday's prompt STIR. The illustrations are a nice diversion to my painting and give me a chance to play with some mediums in addition to encaustic.

Warning

2011-03-07T08:12:00.000-08:00

This week's IF theme is "Warning"

"Global Warning" 10 x 10 Encaustic + mixed media

This original painting is now available in my Big Cartel shop

Swarm

2011-02-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

"Swarm" Pen & Ink, Beeswax 11 x 8.5

Layer

2011-02-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday theme: Layer


Watercolor, ink, digital

Do all these layers make me look fat?

Sweater

2011-02-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday theme - Sweater

Encaustic + ink.

She finished the sweater - now it's time for the hat!

This week's prompt reminded me to get out the knitting I left unfinished from last winter. In Jan '10 I broke both my wrists (I'm fine now) and knit two and a half pairs of socks while recuperating. Now it's time to finish that other half!

Encaustic + Mixed Media Workshop

2011-02-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

Immerse yourself in hot wax................

On March 5th, 10am - 4pm I am offering an Encaustic and Mixed Media workshop at the Virginia Museum Studio School. It is a really fun day and wonderful opportunity to learn the classic techniques of painting with molten, pigmented wax and how to combine them with a variety of other mediums such as watercolor, gouache, oil paint, pastel as well a how to incorporate emphera, found objects and texture texture texture! New and experienced students welcome. Besides the great technical info you'll leave with you'll also be armed with info on setting up your own encaustic studio, safely!

Registration info for this workshop (and other great classes!) can be found at here. Scroll down to #36 for my encaustic workshop. Send me an email if you have any questions.

I will also be offering several Encaustic + Mixed Media workshops in my studio this Spring if you live closer to the Virginia Beach, Norfolk/Smithfield area. Send me your email address if you would like advance notice on classes.

Reverse

2011-02-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

This week's Illustration Friday prompt is "Reverse"


"Heading South" ©2010 Watercolor and ink

Headin' back to Mexico + only bird that can fly in reverse!

Surrender

2011-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday theme.... Surrender

"Surrender" Encaustic + mixed media on claybord. 8.5 x 12"

Dusty

2011-01-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

"Dusty" is the this week's theme for Illustration Friday - which I neglected to explain in past posts is a site that solicits weekly illustrations from artists. Participating is helping me make peace with my passion for drawing AND painting.

"Hittin' the Dusty Trail" ©K. Eide 2011 Mixed Media

Illustration Friday

2011-01-19T18:53:00.000-08:00


"NOT Chicken" Encaustic + ink on paper ©K. Eide


"Chicken In Flight". Page from Sketchbook Project 2011 © K. Eide


"Chicken" Encaustic + MM © K. Eide

"Chicken" escaped from our neighbors coop and lived for a year and half betwixt our apple trees and woods. She may be happier back with her brood, after capture by another neighbor, but who knows. Regardless, I'm glad to have known her and her silly antics.

Illustration Friday

2011-01-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

This week's theme @ Illustration Friday is:
Déjà vu

"Déjà vu" Encaustic + mixed media 12 x 12" © Karen Eide

Honoring the Red-winged Blackbirds

2011-01-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

5 limited edition prints, 12 x 12" available soon. Contact me to reserve one now...

Illustration Friday

2011-01-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

Theme: Resolutions - IllustrationFriday.com

Our cat brought us a live bird the other day - which flew away when we pried it out of his mouth.

I realized he didn't kill it because his resolution is:

"I will be nice to the birds"
or..."if I catch, I shall release!"

Hang the Moon and the Stars!

2010-12-21T05:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship throughout the year.

May this holiday season ignite your dreams, passions and love.

xoxo, Karen

Looking for Good Home.....

2010-12-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

woof!

Available in my Online Gallery/Store

Use this code at check out ;-) ........... KEIDENOVDEC

2010-11-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

You can now find Karen Eide Studios on Facebook. Become a Fan!

Sneak Peek - woof!

2010-11-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek at the dog series I'm working on. The originals and limited addition prints will be available for sale online soon.

Inspired by my current reading of Cesar's How to Raise the Perfect Dog [yes, David and I hope adopt to adopt a rescue pup and kitten this Spring when we return from Florida!] and the miniature show I am currently in, this new series will be 12 x 12" and under. Several years ago I did a dog series - larger, encaustic paintings ranging in size from 18 x 24" up to 40 x 30". I'm hoping this new work will satisfy some of the many requests I've gotten over the years to do more!

I'll let you know when they are available for sale. If you would like to discuss a commission of your dog please contact me.

Sneak Peek

2010-10-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Snake!" 4 x 4" Mixed Media

"I Spy" 4 x 4" Mixed Media


"Sensing Fall" 4 x 4" Mixed Media (this piece won 1st Place in Mixed Media. yeah!)

Here is a sneak peak at my entries for this years miniatures invitational at the Charles Taylor Art Center, Hampton, VA. Pieces have to be 20 square inches or under. I love changing scale.
The opening reception is Sunday, Oct 24 2-5pm and runs Oct 23 - Dec 5th

Art Show

2010-10-11T12:47:00.000-07:00


"Summer Respite" © Karen Eide Encaustic + MM Available

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Port Warwick Art festival this past weekend. It was really fun seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Your support of me and my work is amazing. The weather was gorgeous and... it was my birthday. I won 2nd place and a handsome check, thanks to the Port Warwick Foundation and their sponsors. Yes, it was a happy birthday! Congrats to the other prize winners, too!

Heading South

2010-09-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year. The temperatures fall, the leaves change and our beloved hummingbirds head out in search of warmer digs. They left this week. David asked me how they could possibly survive such a long migration.....presumably to Mexico...... and this is what popped into my head. I also probably vocalized "they grab their bags ~ full of schnacks and hit the road".

Bon voyage little friends, our summer has been filled with your hilarious antics, stunning acrobatics and amazing beauty. We can't wait for your return!

In spite of being told, years ago, by a watercolor teacher that her worst students were oil painters (me!) I still like to break them out from time-to-time to satisfy the illustration "bug" I have.

I'll have a print of "Heading South" this available soon!

(click on pics to enlarge)

FaceBook

2010-09-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

You can now find Karen Eide Studios on Facebook. Become a Fan!

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Commission Completed

2010-09-13T12:08:00.000-07:00


"Maggie's Morning" K. Eide 2010 © \| Encaustic and MM \| 34 x 34 x 2" \| SOLD

Several years ago I did a series of dog paintings. I completed this one last week for a family in Kansas City who encountered one of those older paintings at a friend's home. This one is inspired by their dog, Maggie, and will live at their lake house. It was fun returning to a previous theme and the clients were a joy to work with.

A Huge Thank You!

2010-09-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy summer! Between painting, giving workshops, traveling to the mountains several times, my July/August Studio Open House, and carving out serious training and riding time with Roxy I see that it has been quite a while since my last post and high time to get back on track!

I'd like to start back with a huge THANK YOU to those of you who purchased paintings or came to visit ~ at my studio or online during my Summer Studio Open House. It has been wonderful reconnecting with all of you and rewarding to have my paintings find the perfect home ~ locally, as well as Colorado, Alabama, Philadelphia, Northern Va, New Jersey and Richmond. I now have back some much needed space in my studio which I am starting to fill with new work!

For first notice of future studio events please contact me with your email address. I've lost track of some of you because of you getting new email addresses and would LOVE to have you back. I don't send out a ton of emails, never ever share your address and you can opt out any time. (Plus, I've been told they are creative and fun to receive!!)

Here are a few of the works that sold:


"The Lookout II" \| © 2008 Karen Eide \| 24 x 24 \| Encaustic


"Bee Story" \| © 2009 Karen Eide \| 18 x 80 \| Encaustic+ MM


"Between Worlds" \| © 2009 Karen Eide \| 24 x 24 \| Encaustic+ MM

Full Moon

2010-07-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

"Howl at the Moon" 2009 © k. eide Encaustic + MM

Studio Open House

2010-07-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

Escape the heat!!! My studio is open today from 4pm - 8pm and tomorrow 11-4. Stop by, enjoy a cool drink and view my work. Email me for directions.

"Abide" Warm Springs Gallery, Charlottesville, VA

2010-06-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

My show in Charlottesville opened June 4. Once again, gallery owner, Barbara Buhr has done an amazing job hanging my paintings, in her gorgeous, newly opened location on 3rd St - just off the historic downtown Mall. There was a lovely and well-attended opening reception. If you weren't able to make it last Friday night, I hope some of you can see it in person. Here is my very first video to show you the paintings I have in the gallery. The music in the video is one of my all time favorites: Vaughan Williams: Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis. Still working out a few video production kinks so bear with me.......

"For the Birds"

2010-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Studio: May 2010

Karen Eide

Diana Detamore

Mary Holland

I am currently exhibiting in a show, "For the Birds", at the H. Scott November Gallery, in Richmond Virginia with Pierre Bowring, Diana Detamore and Mary Holland. The gorgeous gallery is in Westminster Canterbury on Westbrook Road and was curated by Sally Bowring. Thursday I gave a slide lecture, along with the other artists. Above are several shots [sorry about the glare on Mary's piece's!] from the show. Below is an exerpt from my talk and several of my older bird paintings that you may have never seen.

"My primary medium is encaustic paint. It is an ancient technique that has roots as far back as 5th century BC. Excellent examples of encaustic painting appear 1st thru 3rd centuries in the Egyptian mummy portraits – the head and shoulder paintings that were set into the mummy caskets and thought to carry the owner into the afterlife.

I learned the technique at a workshop in Philadelphia in 2004 and have been using it ever since. Because it combines well with so many other mediums, I also incorporate oil paint, pastels, collage and ink into it.

The paint itself is a combination of beeswax, pigment and a resin made from sap and is applied in a molten state. Because I use such large quantities of paint, I mix the majority from scratch. This requires a specific respirator and good ventilation. I work off of 200º pancake griddles where I melt and mix the solid blocks of paint. I then use natural bristle brushes – because they don’t melt with the heat and apply the paint to a rigid panel – usually a hardwood plywood such as birch or maple. Because the wax dries quickly I can add layer upon layer without waiting. Between the layers of wax I use a heat gun across the surface to get the layers to adhere well to one another. The word “encaustic” is a Greek word that literally means to burn in – using the heat gun is the burning in part of the process

My work draws from an iconography of flora and fauna in which I present a quiet and contemplative visual view of the rural world. I have an affinity with nature and the environment that has always been the recurrent thread that runs throughout my work. My hope is that my paintings express the essence of my connection to nature- with all its frailty, its humor, joy, and beauty. I have strong concerns over environmental disruption, destruction and extinction and in my work I have my birds and other animals observe the world with their watchful, inescapable eyes and from a centers of quiet, calm and hope. I reflect on ideas surrounding longing and loss, fertility, balance, growth, renewal and solitude. Often in my works you will seem a manmade object along with the bird— such as a chair, porch, a bowl, window, a boat –metaphors for the delicate and complex relationship we humans have with nature and our planet earth.

The bird imagery I use in my work is there, not only, because I find them pretty and intriguing creatures but I see them as INDICATORS—messengers of our planet’s health and well-being".

Grateful for Gilbert

2010-04-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

We kissed Gilbert goodbye yesterday. Our hearts ache but know it was time for him to move on – as a friend of ours said “to the barn in the sky where the mice are slow”. It is beyond me how our pets work themselves so deeply into our hearts and remain there, years after leaving us. I can still see and feel and hear our other animals as if they were here- the look in their eyes, the texture of their fur, their humorous and quirky little habits.

Gilbert was a stray that wandered into my life 18 years ago in Virginia Beach. His owners moved away and left him behind. I had no intention of adopting another kitty but I could see he needed medical attention as he was not neutered, his chest was riddled with scratches from countless fights and he had a hugely swollen foot from an infection. It took about a month of leaving food out and sitting quietly nearby until that day he trusted me enough to step into my lap and let me hold him. I scooped him up and headed straight for the vet. As he convalesced at my house he unpacked his bags, scratched [literally] his way in to my heart and lived, happily, to age 20!

This cat changed the course of my life. One day David stepped into the yard to visit the orange tabby sleeping in a planter and I made the life-altering decision to step outside and talk to this handsome neighbor that I’d met briefly over the backyard fence. David mistakenly referred to him as Gilbert – I had been calling him Griffin – which cracked me up so the name stuck— as did David’s and my friendship. Several years later we were married!

We are grateful for all the love, laughter and even the tears that Gilbert has brought into our lives. He has inspired many paintings and enriched our lives immensely. He was a rag tag Prince, a ruffian, a sweet old guy. It struck me, as I was looking through a gazillion pictures of him that we were able to give him an excellent, if not ideal life. And, he has done the same for us.

We love you Gilly. Bon Voyage!

Rebuilding

2010-02-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know where the time has gone! It's been weeks since my last post and I have received so many inquires about my progress! You have all been so supportive with your frequent calls and emails and so complimentary about my attitude. For the most part I am very postive - but admittedly it isn't all sunshine and roses. When leaving for Florida several weeks ago I went to the studio thinking I could begin organizing and packing up some paintings and had a meltdown when faced with 101 things I couldn't do! Give me a few challenges and I'm fine ~ 101 and I crumble! I did, however, rally and just waited for David to arrive - my lifter, literally and figuratively.

My visit to the Dr. yesterday brought all good news. I am healing well and can now begin weaning myself from the wrist braces. EEEEkkkk. That's a little scary to me, but I'm working on it and can see how it will help increase movement [I'm about 30 percent) In a month we'll see how much movement I regain and look at the option of PT at that point. Another piece of good news..... I am cleared to DRIVE. yeah!

Today I finish and ship out a 30 x 90 encaustic painting [three 30 x 30 panels] for a consulting firm. They will be placing it in a new health facility. I submitted to be part of this project in July '08 and the funding came through in Dec '09. So, artists - and others, keep the faith if you have bids out there! It can still happen.

A lot of you have asked about Roxy. Contrary to popular rumor - she was not made into a glue stick. ha ha. She is enjoying her "vacation". I go out to visit [we hang out-she grazes, I soak up Vit D] and I've worked with her [non-riding, of course!] in the round pen.....she's been great - no attitude, shenanigans or fiestiness. Building trust......

Thanks for checking on me!

Progress

2010-02-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

Just over three weeks has passed since my accident. I’ve kissed my wrists a thousand times! They broke my fall and saved my neck. There are no other injuries. I have always been one to appreciate and celebrate every little moment and didn’t know I could ever come to appreciate things ever more…but I DO! I am a very lucky girl. My days are as full and busy as before —just filled and busy with different activities! (Ok, maybe a few more naps thrown in). Before I know it another day has passed and every day my list of large, small and silly victories grows.

My two follow-up visits to my surgeon have been very encouraging. One week ago I was able to trade in my clunky casts for more streamlined, zip on/off braces – a big improvement. My staples were removed and I no longer have to be suited up in plastic bags to protect my arms when I shower! I have really good dexterity and strength in my hands.

Last Thursday’s Dr. visit came with several highs and a low. One high is that I’ve been cleared to paint! Because I can’t bear much weight at this time [1-5 lbs] I’ll forgo my large-scale paintings and concentrate on some panel sizes that I can move myself. The one exception to this will be a large (30 x 90 triptych) commission I’ve recently received that is due at the beginning of March for an art consulting firm. David will do the lifting and moving for me. The other good news is that I can start “experimenting” with moving my right wrist, which is better off than the left. Being right-handed this is VERY good news. The low is that I can’t drive for a few weeks. Imagine! Shopping, barn or lunch anyone??!!

Again, your good energy, prayers, food, gifts and love have kept my healing path strong and on track. I love you guys! I’m off to Florida in the morning and will be back soon!
xoxo
Karen

Time to Pause

2010-01-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Life Turns on a Dime. It is becoming the theme of this month.

One week ago today, I broke both my wrists in a riding mishap. (first drawing since above. yea! I can hold a pen already) After cantering several strides my horse did an exuberant buck - in response to a herd of mares running and playing nearby- that I couldn't sit. Yes, ouch- frozen ground. Monday, I became bionic (plates, screws pins] with the help of an amazing hand surgeon, Dr. Davlin, who gave up his day off to do my surgery. I'm off meds, exercising and in great spirits. My focus is forward with all energy on healing so I can resume life as I -mostly- knew it! Thursday I get fitted for braces and then PT several weeks from now. I hope to be painting sooner than later as I began the year with a very full plate - an artist's dream.

With the loving care of my husband, a flood of emails, calls, cards, food, FB comments AND watching the world wrap its arms around Haiti, it has been, surprisingly, a very spiritual week. I have had several GOOD cries at the abundance of love and caring I see and feel here at home, and in the world.

My fingers and elbows are free and the number of things I can do grows every day. I am out of bed more than in, listening to my iPod and BOT, reading, studying Rosetta Stone Italian, doing silly sketches, and catching up with friends that I hope to keep in closer sight! Life gets so busy at times and I've been forced to press PAUSE, and will do it without invitation in the future!

In answer to some questions: YES! I WAS wearing a helmet (always!) and YES! I will paint, ride and do everything else I used, if not with some modification, added caution or protection! As David put it so well on Day 1- If you aren't doing what you love, you are not really living.

Here are some pictures he took (I can't hold the weight of the camera yet and he takes amazing nature photos) in and from our bedroom this past week. As you can see Miles, our black cat, is assisting with my recovery— as I did for him 2 years ago when he had ACL surgery. His story is a great reminder about how time heals!

Thank you everyone, for everything!
much love,
Karen

2010-01-05T05:40:00.000-08:00

My first painting of the year ~ inspired by the Blue Moon that brought in the New Year!

News

2009-12-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

I was one of two artists to receive Best in Show honors last night at the exhibition "Horseplay", at Rawls Museum, Courtland, VA and was awarded a solo show in 2010! This is the piece that was chosen:

Season's Greeting!

2009-12-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

Click on image for readability!

In the Studio

2009-12-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

I paint almost every day. Today, however, I am mixing my wax mediums that I use in great quantities - either between layers of encaustic color which adds depth or added to the paint to make it more transluscent. Also mixing colors for a commission. The sun is finally shining - I can see the true color!

New Work

2009-11-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

I've been busy in the studio and just realized I need a blog update! I tend to drop in and out of communication as I delve into my work. I'll try to keep you more updated!!!

I've completed a series of non-representational pieces I'm excited to share with you. This current series, Migration, is works is based on ideas and theories regarding migration – movements, changes of position and “directed, regular, or systematic movement of a group of objects, organisms”. I am curious about the mysterious and unseen forces that guide our natural world. The stimulus for and paths of migration replay themselves in my work like secrets and dreams.

Encaustic + MM. 24 x 24 x 2. 2009© Available.

Encaustic + MM. 16 x 16 x 1. 2009© Available.

Encaustic + MM. 24 x 24 x 2. 2009© SOLD.

Encaustic + MM.16 x 16 x 1. 2009© Available.

Sneak Peak

2009-11-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Treehouse" 40 x40 x 2" Encaustic + MM. SOLD. ©2009 Karen Eide
One of my paintings on view at Red Door Gallery, Richmond, VA through Nov. 14.

Sneak Peek

2009-10-29T12:51:00.001-07:00

"I Cried in the Ocean, the Ocean Cried Back"
6" x 6" Encaustic, inks, watercolor, collage. ©2009 K.Eide SOLD
Playing with some small pieces about tears, longing and loss.

The drawing table, complete with our 19 yo "fox" in the background who
inspired my fox sketch. And maybe the tears.

Fall

2009-10-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

2009-10-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

My little friend Ella made this drawing for Roxy, my horse! How sweet!!!

Tiny art

2009-10-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

This is my contribution to fellow artist/illustrator/blogger Gustavo Aimor's invitation to submit 3 x 3cm illustrations to celebrate his 3rd year of blogging. This tiny illustration was done with pen & ink and watercolor. You can see the other wonderful contributions by illustrators worldwide on his blog. The invitation to artists was posted on Geninne's blog - another incredibly talented artist I have "met" through blogging.

relative size

Sneak Peak

2009-10-16T06:59:00.001-07:00

"Atop the Parthenon" 6.25 x 6.25

"Over the Parthenon" 6.25 x 6.25
"On the Steps of the Parthenon" 6.25 x 6.25
Encaustic + mixed media. ©2009 Karen Eide SOLD

These are my submissions to "Small Works: Miniatures by Tidewater Artists", an annual, group invitational show I participate in. They will be on view and available for sale at the Charles Taylor Art Center, Hampton, VA Oct. 24th - Nov. 29th. All works are less than 25" square, not including frame.

Farewells

2009-10-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

My animals are a huge inspiration to me. Sadly, last week, David and I had to kiss Puddy goodbye. She was the epitome of sweetness and will live on in our hearts- and my drawings.

Show Opening

2009-10-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

"Sense Memory" 60 x 48 x 2" Encaustic + MM on wood panel. Available

Please join me tonight between 6-9pm for the opening reception of my show
"Sense Memory"
Red Door Gallery 1607 Main Street, Richmond, Va Oct. 2- Nov 17

Artist Statement

As I move through my days and nights, I am visually, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually impacted by all that I take in. What ends up in paint are Sense Memories — distillations... reactions... impressions of ideas, colors, shapes, objects, nature—that have left an indelible imprint, scratched at my soul and played with my passions.

A Salute to Excellence

2009-09-28T12:44:00.001-07:00

My friend, Roger Preston, just had this gorgeous book published! You can preview on Blurb
Congratulations Roger!

Blank Canvas

2009-09-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just beginning work on a 5' x 5' panel [I need a rigid surface for the encaustic paint so all my paintings are done on wood panels with 2-3" deep sides]. I'm only 6" taller so its a bear to maneuver! On the easel and counter are other paintings in progress destined for my upcoming show: Sense Memory.
I love watching the studio fill up!

Summer's Last Color

2009-09-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

the last blooms of summer. sigh.

Studio Sept '09

Sneak Peek

2009-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

...one of my new paintings headed to my show, "Sense Memory" at Red Door Gallery in Richmond, VA that opens October 2. It features a bossy little Kingfisher. My show runs concurrently with Greg Minah: Recent Work. I'll remind you but save the date!

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Show

2009-09-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

The VMFA Studio School Faculty Exhibition opens Friday, Sept 18 and runs through October 23. Stop by if you are in the neighborhood. I have to be in Leesburg the next day to teach a workshop so if I can figure out the logistics......I'll be at the opening reception Sept 18 from 5-7.
This gorgeous piece on the invitation is "The Guest House" by Joan Elliott.

Limited Edition Prints Now Available!

2009-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Limited edition reproductions [editions of 50 each] are now available of select paintings! I am in the process of listing them on ESTY so if you are anxious, drop me a line and I'll list it sooner than later. Prints with rabbit imagery are listed on another Etsy site of mine I'm calling 10Rabbits . These would look great framed in groups of 2 or three! The reproduction quality is AWESOME - it picks up the beautiful textural quality found in the originals.

Sneak Peek

2009-08-17T08:29:00.001-07:00

I really do love Mondays. It feels like turning a corner and getting a fresh start. Here is a sneak peek at an -unfinished- piece I will be exhibiting in the Virginia Museum of Fine Art Studio School faculty show opening next month. I teach encaustic painting there several times a year, and throughout the state in another VMFA department - Statewide Artist Workshops.

But mostly I PAINT.
This is a new direction for me and is part of a series called Migrations. Below are two earlier images from that series. One way I choose a palette of colors is by picking up paint chip colors [see pic] that strike me. In the photo above, you can see I work with pigmented, molten [200º] beeswax, an ancient art [sans the pancake griddle!] called encaustic painting.

Missing Muse

2009-08-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Needing a bribe for my muse this rainy afternoon, I filled up my bird mug and raided the chocolate stash! This mug is from my friend's vintage shop on Etsy: Hopgrasser I keep telling myself I have enough STUFF .......but keep looking at those brass bird clips!

For a diversion, I designed this tee "A Little Birdy Told Me" for my young friend who broke her leg last week. I hope this cheers her up.

I've been meaning to show you "our" black swans! The are gorgeous. We live on the
Chuckatuck Creek and these amazing creatures show up year after year.

Speaking of amazing creatures, my day began by visiting Roxy—one of my "biggest" inspirations— and riding bareback in the drizzling rain [uh, don't want to ruin the saddle!]. She has great spirit, great heart. We see some wonderful sights while trail riding - bald eagles [really!], deer, fawns, snakes, geese, bluebirds, killdeer, meadow larks, rabbits........ wondering what inspires my imagery?........

2009-07-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

We arrived home this week, from our trip to Asheville, NC, to a very happy and
prolific garden-and happy cats. The crepe myrtles, sunflowers, morning glories and zinnias are a feast of color!

I marinated the eggplant in olive oil, salt, pepper and smoked paprika and grilled it. Divine.......

Here my most recent painting - a tryptych - available through Warm Springs Gallery.
24 x 72 x 2" overall. Each panel is 24 x 24 x 2".
"Waiting for Rain"

Solo Show

2009-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

We are back from the opening of my solo show at Warm Springs Gallery, Warm Springs, VA. The gallery sits at the bottom of a hill in the center of town, which is nestled in Allegheny Mountains in Bath County.

Owner Barbara Buhr and her late husband renovated an old general store that is unassuming on the outside and inside, replete with wonderful architectural detail and sophisticated charm. Barbara's installation of my work— between the placement and the lighting is [if I do say so!] stunning. The well-attended opening reception on Saturday brought in many locals, summer residents and guests from The Homestead resort. Thank you Warm Springs for such an enthusiastic reception to my work!

Maggie is one of the gallery’s best “fixtures”! How cute is she?!

Perusing the area for several days yielded many great surprises like Three Hills Inn where we enjoyed a picnic dinner at dusk on the patio. This 100 year old home was built by Mary Johnston, author ["To Have and to Hold"] and early suffragette.

Everyday something new......

2009-07-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Everyday something new blooms or ripens here —it is quite an abundant summer.

This hummingbird just happened to cruise by while I was photographing the zinnias!

Here are the updated studio pictures, as promised.

New Work

2009-07-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

I just finished the last painting for my Warm Springs solo show. It features a sassy little flycatcher.
"No Sorrow in Thy Song" © 2009 Karen Eide 48 x 48 x 3 Encaustic + mixed media
Sides are painted - no framing necessary.
SOLD

The studio is buuuussssy. Here are some 6 x 6" paintings getting ready for framing.

I love changing scale - from these 6 x 6"s to 48 x 48"
You can purchase these at my monthly Online Sales Show and at Warm Springs Gallery.

Inspiration

2009-07-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Sneak Peek

2009-07-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here are several of my new pieces heading to Warm Springs Gallery, Warm Springs, VA for my solo show that runs through August 3rd. Opening reception is Saturday, July 11th. I'll post the link with all the pieces in the show as soon as its available.
Surprise, surprise.... looks like a bird theme going on.......

"In Summer's Midst" Triptych 24 x 72 x 2 SOLD

"Arrival" 40 x 40 x 2

"Forgotten Notes" Diptych 40 x 60 x 2

"Forgotten Notes" detail. I work very texturally.

"As Morning Broke" 40 x 40 x 2

All paintings are on cradled wood panels [2" deep], encaustic or encaustic and mixed media.

All images ©2009 Karen Eide. All Rights Reserved

2009-07-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

The Studio: A 200ish foot "commute" from my house!

[These photos are circa 2002 and things have grown up quite a bit. New pics to follow]