It begins with thumbnail sketches. Actually, it starts with a bit of research then sketches.
I then create stencils, prepare the hardboards with three coats of beeswax, carve the stencils into the wax…
add pretty papers…
and begin painting. Once all the boards have first coats, I give them individual attention.
Finally, I add more collage components.
I’m taking a break right now because what usually happens is that I want to do everything right away instead of savoring the process. Encaustic is not an instant gratification type thing. And as much as I have the image of a finished product in my head, there are a lot of happy accidents that occur along the way.
What has already happened is the classic “I know what I don’t want” scenario. The great thing about the wax is that it can be scraped off – chalk it up to a problem solving direction.
I love manufacturing a visual language that communicates my secrets and IÂ LOVE having the only key. <3
I’m preparing for three art events. On Sunday, October 19th, 2025, I will participate in an artisan day at the Neat Whiskey Bar, 6706 E. Seneca Turnpike Building B, Jamesville, New York 13078. More details later but I believe it will be a noon – 6:00 PM thing.
Karen Tashkovski, ANGELIC, 2025, encaustic & collage, 4″ x 4″ painting mounted on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard (with stand)
I will bring my own table and set up smaller cash and carry items – I do take Paypal and Venmo. I have a few weeks to figure out the details and I will let you know as soon as I can. I might share my Christmasy stuff or I might just do all the small heart paintings.
I will be exhibiting one painting at Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, New York 13108. They are having a member’s show November 1, 2025 – December 19, 2025 with a reception on Saturday, November 1, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
I will also be exhibiting one painting at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (137 East Ave., Rochester, New York 14604). They are having a member’s show too. This will be December 5, 2025 – February 14, 2026 with a reception on Friday, December 5, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Currently, I’m prepping a new series of thirty-six paintings. I placed three layers of wax on each hardboard (they are 8″ x 10″). Later today or tomorrow I will carve the designs and eventually begin the rest of the encaustic process. <3
A bunch of geese pal around/poop around the sidewalks and pond at Hoopes Park. And then there is this one glorious blue heron! Yes – I made a new friend before heading to the art, craft and foodie filled tents that made up Art in the Park.
Art in the Park is an annual event at Hoopes Park, 100 S. Herman Avenue, Auburn, New York 13021. It was yesterday, September 20, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and a perfect day for it, too. Sunny, blue sky, breezy, etc.
The cookie sellers did the best – Oma-Nonna had only three packages of Italian cookie assortments left to sell at around 3:00 PM.
Many of the vendors told me they have a variety of day jobs and selling their handmade wares is their side-hustle. They were all really friendly, happy people. The vibe in the park was definitely upbeat. Oh, and the event welcomed food trucks and music! It was really lovely.
Before I left the park (around 3:45 PM), I was hoping to see that blue heron again but that didn’t happen. Someone told me it hangs in the mini rock island in the middle of the pond, so maybe next time.
Stickley is having a sale at the factory, 1 Stickley Drive, Manlius, New York 13104. They have a tent set up in the parking lot and there is also access to a showroom in the warehouse.
Included in this sale, in addition to the classic mission oak pieces:Â patio furniture, collector’s shop pieces and leather!!!!!!!
Prices are slashed for these items, as they are display pieces. I was told that the local delivery fee is only $199. The sale began Thursday afternoon and continues through Sunday, September 21, 2025.
The Baltimore Woods Nature Center is a gem of a place, located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. I recently became a member of this organization. There are miles and miles of nature trails – no bikers or dogs allowed. These trails, maintained by a staff of volunteers, are pristine, hilly and the perfect place to spend an afternoon zenning out.
In addition, they have a library on-site, a gift shoppe and an art gallery. There will be a members exhibit in November, so I wanted to view the space. The last time I was here, I hid rocks in the woods. I don’t think the building was open that day.
The current exhibition is a series of nature photographs by Don Crumb. The photographs are mainly of local and regional landscapes. There is a fabulous portrait of a fox – clearly the star of the show.
A collection of taxidermy mounted wild animals is also housed here.
The gallery can be rented out for parties, as it is connected to a full kitchen. They also host events in the room. You can investigate this further on their website.
Don Crumb – Nature Photography continues through October 27, 2025.
The building is open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
The hiking trails are available every day dawn to dusk. I would recommend walking with a friend. I sort of kind of got lost in there until I realized I could GPS and compass my way out. It wasn’t scary because I was so zen after two hours of zigzagging the paths.
I have scheduled an art exhibition at Hazard Branch Library (1620 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204) for August 2026. Today I dropped by to view the space.
Sylvia Steen is the current artist of the month. The library is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM. Closed on Sunday.
I love that wow moment when you drive over the bridge overlooking the Susquehanna River that takes you into Owego, New York. It is a sort of time portal because you feel like you are in seventy-five years ago. The antique shop is in the old J. J. Newberry building – the signage is still on the Tiffany blue facade.
There are two floors of everything you probably need if you are starting or adding to collections. I have an affinity for hand painted metal or wooden trays, old coins, blue glass and chickens (aka cocks).
Thank you, Joyce, for a fabulous day in your neck of the woods – Binghamton, Vestal, Endwell, Endicott, Owego!!!!! So fun! <3
Karen Tashkovski, “Gentleness”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “Benevolence”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
I adopted Jameson James (Jamey) Rosenquist from Every Cat’s Dream, 2101 Vestal Parkway West, Vestal, NY 13850. Jamey was never feral. He, along with his three sister kitties, was born inside the cozy home of a foster mother. Jamey is a very healthy, loving companion and I am so grateful for Every Cat’s Dream and for the volunteers who rescue and foster so many cats and kittens.
They rely on donations and often sponsor events in the Binghamton, New York area. The next one is tomorrow at the Vestal Library. For information on these events you can visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Karen Tashkovski, “Mon Dieu”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “Love”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
I am donating these paper collages to support the organization. I created them back in 2001. I used embroidery floss to sew paper to paper and added text, as well as playing cards, sand dollars, coins and sea glass. They are delicate so, I am going to trust that the right people will value and care for them – adopt them – the way I value, love and care for my Jamey.
They are placed on foam board in acetate sleeves so they will need to be framed.  I priced them at $75 each, which in today’s money would be $136.81 according to Google calculating the inflation rate. So, that is quite a bargain!
If you do purchase one, please let me know and I will put you on my mailing list for future art events. It is helpful to have a provenance when curating an art collection.
Karen Tashkovski, “Bon Voyage”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “Love Bird”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “5”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
In addition to my art fundraising efforts, I have entered Jamey in a contest to get his photograph in a calendar. The money donated by voting for him goes to Every Cat’s Dream.
Karen Tashkovski, “6”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “Trustworthiness”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “Jack”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “Touch”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “La Reine”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “9”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “Leniency”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collageKaren Tashkovski, “4”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Charlie Blonde Antiques, 2801 E. Main Street, Endwell, NY 13760, is an antique shopping paradise. Located in a former grocery store in a plaza that was also once home to a pool shop and a restaurant, it boasts over one hundred vendors showcasing furniture, glassware, toys, clothing, books and lots of blue things.
