Category Archives: encaustic & collage

The Heraldic Shields

Karen Tashkovski, MARTYR, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, PLUS ONE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, LOYALIST, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

Here are the twenty-four encaustic & collage  paintings that I literally just finished.

I am very excited to announce that these paintings, along with the encaustic & collage target  paintings, Arcadia 1 and Arcadia 2, will be in an exhibition at the Canastota Public Library (102  Center St., Canastota, New York 13032) during the month of June 2026!!!

Karen Tashkovski, CLUB ROYALE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

Photographs never do my work any sort of justice – they are very colorful and layered with texture.  You really need to experience them in person.

Karen Tashkovski, SABLE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

They will be for sale during the show.

Karen Tashkovski, LOCAL AMBITION, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, AZURE TREASURE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SOVEREIGNTY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, HERALDRY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, RICHES, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, IN LOVE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, INNOCENCE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SANGUINE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, INNER RESOLVE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SENSITIVITY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, AFTERGLOW, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, WORTHY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, GREAT WISDOM, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, CONSTANCY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, PROTECTION, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, GENTLE WARRIOR, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, THE BOUNTY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, PURELY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SINCERITY, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

Encaustic Horseshoes

Karen Tashkovski, OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”
Karen Tashkovski, BE, 2017, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”

I framed my encaustic horseshoe paintings. There are two sizes:  9″. 12″ and 11″ x 14″.  Pictured here:  the remainder of the two series.  Many of these were sold when they hung on a wall in the lobby of Syracuse Yoga (in 2017).

Karen Tashkovski, BANANAS, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”

Every home needs one of these, IMO.  They are lucky!!!

Karen Tashkovski, DO IT, 2017, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, SUPER, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”
Karen Tashkovski, LOVE, 2017, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, HUNDREDS, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”
Karen Tashkovski, SHREEM, 2017, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, STEPPING STONE, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”
Karen Tashkovski, AUM, 2017, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, CHANCE, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”
Karen Tashkovski, YOGA, 2017, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, HALF A MIL, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”
Karen Tashkovski, GUSTO, 2017, encaustic & collage, 11” x 14”

Horses Refreshed

Karen Tashkovski, ARIES, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, COMING & GOING, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”

Seven of the twelve encaustic & collage paintings in this series of horses are left.  I created them in 2012 and had previously mounted them on 18″ x 18″ chalkboard.  Now the 12″ x 12″ masonite boards are mounted onto 12″ x 12″ cradled hardboards.

Karen Tashkovski, SIENNA ON FIRE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, CHAMPION, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”

I also added collage items to some of them.

Karen Tashkovski, RED HORSE, 2011, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, THE RACE, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”
Karen Tashkovski, SILVERY STRETCH, 2012, encaustic & collage, 12” x 12”

The Bungalows

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”

The Situation

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.

Arcadia 2 (encaustic targets 2025)

Karen Tashkovski, SPINNING, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, JOY, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen 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” chalkboard
Karen 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” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, EVERYTHING, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, LOTUS LAND, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, WONDERLAND, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, JEWELS, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, DREAMLAND, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, FLORIDA, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, VISUALIZATION, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, EUPHORIA, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, HOLLYWOOD, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, FIRST OF ALL, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, MEXICO, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, SHANGRI-LA, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, WARMTH, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on. 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, TRAILS, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, ILLUMINATION, 2025, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8” x 10” chalkboard

The Rainy Day

God bless a good rainy day.  An indoor day.

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” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, BESTIE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 9” x 12”

What did you do today???

Mohawk Valley Angel

The show is over but I wanted to document it.  Women. Art. Voices. took place for three weeks (March 6 – March 27, 2026) at Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts.

Camaraderie, from my angel series, had a prominent place in the exhibition.  I loved the way it looked.

Handbags

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.

Karen Tashkovski, LUNCH BOX, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, MISSION CONTROL, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

It’s exciting to dream about a future for my little paintings.  They are infused with love, so whatever the outcome, they, and I, will be okay.

Karen Tashkovski, BUCKET, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, DEEP POCKET, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, BRIEFCASE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SATCHEL, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SHOPPER, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, BASKET, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, COLLECTOR, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, KEEPSAKE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, TOTE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, JEWEL BOX, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, MOBILITY UNIT, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, SUITCASE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, MONEY BAG, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”
Karen Tashkovski, STORAGE, 2026, encaustic & collage, 8” x 10”

Introducing Encaustic Hearts, Class of 2026

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”