Karen Tashkovski, BUNGALOW, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, GREEN HOUSE, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, PABLO, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
I am delighted to reintroduce The Bungalows! Created last year, these paintings went through a series of transformations. At first, I had mounted them on collaged chalkboards. They felt too busy. I decided to switch out the chalkboards in favor of these 8″ x 10″ hardboards then framed them in the same frames I used for the Fan-Girl series of paintings.
But that still didn’t feel right. Yesterday I reframed them and I am now very satisfied with this version. I love them!
Many of the collage materials attached to these paintings were items I found while metal detecting the yard of my one-hundred-twenty-six-year-old home. So, this series is very personal to me because it is about me and all the other people who have lived in and loved my home. The paintings represent the little houses that sort of encompass my neighborhood even though they are all technically mine. My corner of the world. I know there are people out there who love the Arts & Crafts movement, who find joy in the craftsman style and can relate to this cherished history.
I recently acquired another venue for a future art exhibition and will inform you of the details as soon as tomorrow. There is a possibility that these paintings will get another show soon, but I am still pondering what to do, as I will be having multiple shows happening at once, which is crazy. So much is happening!
Karen Tashkovski, MAN CAVE, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, CRAFTSMAN, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, KNOCK-KNOCK, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, JINGLE, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, JASPER, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, HUNTED, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, BRIGHTEN, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, SALT CITY, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, PRINCESS, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, AVON LADY, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, GARDEN PARTY, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, JAMES STREET, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, FORGET ME NOT, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, COTTAGE, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, GOOD LUCK, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, FUSE, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, SYRACUSE, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, THE FARM, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, DREAM SQUASHERS, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, WELCOME, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, GEORGIE, 2024, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
I’m in the middle of an update. Waiting for supplies to be delivered is always frustrating because (daddy, I want it now!) I want to complete these tasks right now. Immediately!
I wasn’t satisfied with the presentation of my bungalow series of paintings. I decided to switch out the frames. This created the domino effect of needing to purchase new hardboards for a yet undetermined series that will go into the “old frames”.
I received four of the new frames so far and at first I heard – what are you DOING????? from that contradictory voice inside my head that spews negativity (no doubt). But upon execution of this task, I am very pleased with the decision. The bungalows look incredible in their new digs!
In addition, I purchased frames for the horseshoe paintings. The 9″ x 12″ horseshoe paintings are now framed and residing on the floor of my living room. The 11″ x 14″ frames will arrive sometime next week or so. Needless to say, the artwork will be pricier now than when customers purchased them during their residency at Syracuse Yoga.
I also removed the backing chalkboards from the remaining horse and cow paintings. I created them in 2012 – they are among my first encaustic paintings. I’m waiting for 12″ x 12″ cradled hardboards to arrive (sometime today?). Then I will add the hardware to the back and mount the paintings. Not sure if I will tweak them as well. I don’t think they really need changes, but it seems that my ever evolving artistic standards may overrule that temporary plan.
I sold several of the horse paintings – I remember most of those sales. However, I do not know why I only have ten cow paintings. I did gift one to a student once because he was a dairy farmer. So, what the heck happened to the other one???? Who bought the purple cow?
The changes to these paintings were inspired by storage – clanking those boards around had damage potential. They were impossible to store properly and impossible to transport safely. It was only that – I still love the way I mounted them prior to this change. I am very grateful to those who purchased them in their original capacity.
Revisiting paintings is like rereading an old journal. It is a visual record of progress. Of the (over used word) journey, dare I say it.
If I end up having a huge retrospective one day, I think that these encaustic paintings will reveal a sort of fantasy realm, as though I am reliving another life with another voice. A message from the other voice (in this case a love language of positivity), which is how I described a series of oil & collage paintings I made in the late ’90s. It will be a full circle moment and for that brief time, everything about this situation will make sense.
I am very pleased to announce that I have just returned from installing my art exhibition (and sale) at the East Syracuse Free Library (4990 James Street, East Syracuse, New York 13057).
My series of two dozen encaustic trees are here, as well as two dozen heart paintings. All are encaustic and collage. Stands are not included in the price of the work.
This show will be on display during May and June 2026.
Current hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Karen Tashkovski, SPINNING, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, JOY, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, ENCHANTMENT, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Welcome to the new and improved versions of these paintings. I created them last year with the intention that they would be sold with a mission style table easel. I’m going to keep the easels to assist with future library art shows and/or to display my work if I ever have another opportunity for an indoor art sale like the one I participated in at that Jamesville, New York whiskey bar.
Karen Tashkovski, PROMISE, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, UTOPIA, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
They look so much better in these fabulous frames. I am in love with them! They are encaustic & collage targets, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8″ x 10″ chalkboard.
Karen Tashkovski, RELEASE, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
I reworked some of them. I added gold enamel. I changed out collage materials. I used my fingers to smudge in metallic cold waxes.
I thought they were done before, but once they were in the frames, I felt like they could be elevated via these tweaks.
Karen Tashkovski, THE BEST MOMENT, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
The dream is to sell them as a group. Someone could install them on a wall as one giant piece or maybe they could place them on a long hallway wall in a business office.
Karen Tashkovski, ENTRANCE, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
I think this is the vision I have for all of my artwork. I create series of paintings with the intention that they be introduced to the world together as a unit, as a presentation much like a fashion show reveals a seasonal collection of clothing. I love this idea, that an idea expands to however many paintings brings it to fruition.
It’s always at least a dozen paintings of the same dimensions. In this case, there are two dozen.
Karen Tashkovski, BLISSFULLY, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, EVERYTHING, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, LOTUS LAND, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, WONDERLAND, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, JEWELS, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, DREAMLAND, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, FLORIDA, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, VISUALIZATION, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, EUPHORIA, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, HOLLYWOOD, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, FIRST OF ALL, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, MEXICO, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, SHANGRI-LA, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, WARMTH, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on. 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, TRAILS, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, ILLUMINATION, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
I bought more frames. I spent the day reworking then framing the encaustic & collage target paintings, the ones that I’d created last year. They are 5″ x 7″ hardboards mounted on 8″ x 10″ chalkboard. I will photograph them tomorrow then post the results.
I boxed up (with the boxes from the frames) a bunch of books I’m planning to sell, part of my attempt to purge/de-clutter – I’m in the process of getting rid of things stored in the basement to make room for more art storage. Eventually, I will sell more art thereby having space to make more (or buy a bigger house).
I also finished my third reread of The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. I will be writing a book report in a bit – I need the experience to digest. It felt different this time because I have had more life experiences and am more attuned to esoteric language.
In addition, I’m preparing for the art show at East Syracuse Free Library. I created the information sheet/price list. The installation is scheduled for May 1, 2026. The plan is to show the encaustic trees AND the new encaustic heart paintings. They will be resting on table easels and displayed at the top of the bookshelves.
Karen Tashkovski, CHERRY, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboardKaren Tashkovski, BESTIE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
This year Anita Welych and Jeremy Randall picked the artwork. Over seventy works were selected from four hundred entries.
*from the Schweinfurth web-site
Jeremy Randall has been working in clay and making decorative and functional pottery for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in 2000, and his Masters of Fine Arts in ceramics from the University of Florida in 2005. Currently he lives in Tully, New York, and owns and operates his studio/teaching and retail business Papavero Clay Studio in Marcellus NY. Jeremy’s work can be found in galleries across the US, has shown in numerous national shows, and has had the privilege of teaching workshops across the United States and internationally. In 2017 he began an apprenticeship program in his studio, looking for ways to offer traditional/non-traditional education experiences for emerging artists in a ceramic studio setting.
Serving as the executive director of the Kirkland Art Center in Clinton, NY, Anita Welych is also a practicing visual artist. She received her BFA at Cornell University and completed an MFA at Syracuse University. In between, she pursued graduate coursework in painting and lithography at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá on a Fulbright Grant. She subsequently returned to Colombia on a teaching Fulbright, lecturing across the country.
Welych taught in the Studio Art program at Cazenovia College for over thirty years, developing the major in Arts Management and serving as its director. She served on the Syracuse Public Art Commission for three years and was a founding board member of ArtRage Gallery, both located in Syracuse.
Welych has exhibited nationally and internationally, working in book arts, collage, printmaking, painting, and installation. Her lifelong interest in social and environmental issues drives the content of her art.
I attended the opening art reception on Saturday. The exhibition continues through May 16, 2026. The Schweinfurth is located at 205 Genesee St. Auburn, NY 13021.
Karen Tashkovski, LIFE SUPPORT, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, HANDBAG, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
I just completed this collection of twenty-four paintings. I am fascinated by the handbags depicted in ancient civilization bas-reliefs and sculptures across continents.
I created twenty-four different stencils to carve into ,my 6″ x 6″ hardboards. Then I used encaustics (and paper collage) to add color and texture.
Karen Tashkovski, TOOLKIT, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, PURSE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
I painted the backing board with both chalkboard paint and magnetic paint, as the mysterious handbags of old were perhaps electromagnetic in nature.
Then I added collage items that reflect my own history, as well as my signature arsenal of devices: game pieces, keys, ribbon, jewelry, wood chips and bobbins.
The fleur-de-lis dominoes have a beautiful patina, as they are new ones mixed with vintage pieces, which I love.
Karen Tashkovski, DEVICE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, BACKPACK, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
All are framed and ready for their conquest of the world.
There is such a rewarding feeling of validation and joy to the completion of a new series. I will bask in that after-glow while contemplating what to do next – possibly a second set of these or incorporating the handbags into a larger work, or, or, or?
Karen Tashkovski, CLUTCH, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”Karen Tashkovski, CARRYALL, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Yesterday was a day of art immersion – two art shows and a fabulous day spent with my friend and fellow artist, Penny Santy. In conversation, I kept going back to this series, thinking about what I wanted its journey to be and truthfully, it would be amazing if someone wanted to buy them all and keep them together, because I feel like they are meant to be together.
But then, I think about how the ancient handbags are found in South America, Egypt, Turkey and Iraq. They stump archeologists as to their function. Maybe my handbags will be separated and valued individually, and treated with questionable mystery by the viewers who encounter them.
Whimsy & Joy is the title of Edgewood Gallery‘s latest art exhibition. Kathleen Crinnen’s acrylic paintings, Eva Hunter‘s jewelry, accessories and paintings plus Linda Malik’s sculptures comprise this colorful, very feminine show.
The exhibit continues through April 17, 2026. Edgewood Gallery is located at 216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse, New York 13224.
Tuesday – Friday: 9:30 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday & Monday: closed
I visited Edgewood yesterday to discuss my upcoming show there. I will be exhibiting in late August through Oct 2, 2026. No decision yet on what artwork I will be presenting there.
Meanwhile, I will be picking up my painting from Mohawk Valley on Saturday and the Art Haus exhibit has been extended an extra week – pick up date for that show is April 18th.
Next for me – May and June 2026 at the East Syracuse Free Library.
Karen Tashkovski, ROSEBUD, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, LIKE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, MERMAID, 2016, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
I just completed photographing the new collection of heart paintings. They are encaustic and collage, 5″ x 7″ on hardboard mounted on 9″ x 12″ chalkboard and framed.
Photographs do not do them justice. They are really vibrant in person and so full of texture.
Karen Tashkovski, SUNSHINE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, LOVELY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, HEARTY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, WARMTH, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, LOVE POTION, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, BESTIE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, FORTUNATE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, FRIENDSHIP, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski KINDLY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, SEXY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, JUICY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, PURELY, 2016, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, EVERLASTING, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, FAITHFULLY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, FRESH, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, SWEET, 2026 encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, LOVING, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, LOVE LETTER, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, ROMANCE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, SWELL, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”Karen Tashkovski, SPLENDID, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
I’m contemplating what to do next. The ancient handbag series of paintings are on the floor of my living room resting on their chalkboard mounts, which I have infused with magnetic paint to simulate the electromagnetic resonance of the original objects, as they have been described in my research.
I’m also awaiting a couple of orders of mini dominoes to add to the hardboards. It is really fun to hunt for specific vintage items and thank you, universe for the interwebs, lol. What a godsend, really.
I also ordered frames for these paintings, as well as frames for the new heart paintings, some of which are also on the floor and on the dining room table. I will title them, sign them, get them in the frames and photograph them all by next week.
It is a gloomy day with rain – yesterday it was 70 degrees outside and beautiful. Tomorrow it is supposedly going down to 32 degrees. It is a sad day for me for personal reasons and yet, when I focus on this artwork it brings me so much joy and strength, and purpose.
My exhibition of butterfly paintings is still at Art Haus Syracuse. Selling them will validate me externally, and that is a sliver of an artist’s vocation. When you believe in yourself then the world will follow suit. But if people don’t want to share in your artistic vision, you don’t stop breathing. Buy them here.
