Celebrating Abstract Art, New Adventures & Teaching Beginners
🎨 Let’s Catch Up! Abstract Wins, Art Talks & My New Teaching Adventure
Hi friends!
It’s time to catch up again—and I’m so glad you’re here.
So much has happened in the past few months, and I want to share some exciting updates with you—from exhibiting new work and winning an award to teaching my very first online painting class (and prepping for the next one)!
🏆 Big News from the 62nd Bay Annual Art Competition
This spring, I submitted two of my abstract paintings—“Having No Regrets” and “Many Ways to Get There”—to the 62nd Bay Annual Art Competition and Exhibition. It’s a juried show, and both pieces were accepted.
To my surprise and delight, “Having No Regrets” won an award!
In our small coastal town, representational art tends to get the spotlight. So as the only artist who submitted abstracts, this recognition meant a lot. It felt like a quiet nod of encouragement to keep going—and a lovely moment of validation for abstract art in general.
“Having No Regrets” – Award Winner.
Having No Regrets
“Many Ways to Get There” – Also Accepted into the Exhibition
Many Ways To Get There
🌀 What Is Abstract Art Really About?
Since the show, I’ve had a lot of great conversations—many starting with,
“I just don’t get abstract art... what am I supposed to see?”
I completely understand that reaction. I used to feel the same way before I began studying and creating abstract work myself.
The beauty of abstract art is that it isn’t always about “seeing” something specific. It’s about feeling something. Emotion. Energy. Movement. Stillness. Sometimes it’s a whisper, sometimes a shout—but it's always personal.
You don’t need to understand it in the traditional sense. You just need to respond to it. Let it stir something in you.
👩🎨 Teaching Beginners—And Loving It
Another first for me: I taught my very first online beginner painting class via Zoom on April 3rd! We painted a landscape with mountains, trees, a path, and a stream—and every single student finished their painting.
Landscape Workshop Reference Image
🎨 June 19th at 10:00am (CST)
We’ll be painting a pot of geraniums, filled with color, texture, and light.
Pots Of Geraniums Workshop Reference Image
🎨 Final Thoughts
Teaching others, showing my work, and simply making time to create—all of it continues to shape me. I’m reminded daily of how much art has changed the way I see the world. I notice more. I feel more. I’m grateful for beauty in the ordinary.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here to look, to learn, or just to cheer me on—I’m so glad you’re here.
Until next time,
Karen
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