I just returned from installing my latest art exhibition. This one is at the Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066. The artwork will be on display through the month of July 2026.
There are six dozen 8″ x 8″ encaustic & collage paintings in this series. They are part of my bigger arch – creating a multi-cultural kingdom where everyone is welcome and everyone gets to choose their place in the dream, selecting their level of participation. In this world, there is only happiness and joy – no complaints, no violence, no illness, no misery.
I’ve incorporated international coins and stamps, origami and mulberry papers, embroidery floss, tartan ribbons, gold enamel and game pieces. The vintage elements create a feeling of nostalgia, as well as a sense of deja-vu.
Last year it took me six hours to work out the site plan, move the apparatus around and install a similar amount and sized series. This time I clocked it at four and a half hours. Thank you, Laurie Heyboer, for ordering more hooks. It was so much easier to mount the show! I appreciate you!!!
Yes, I am currently working on a new series of thirty-six encaustic & collage paintings that I will share in the coming weeks, and yes, my art exhibition of forty-eight paintings of Encaustic Trees and Encaustic Hearts remains on display at the East Syracuse Free Library until June 30th, 2026. And, yes, I still have plenty of new artwork available for sale that will have their moment later in the year (some will be at the Fayetteville Free Library during July 2026). And, yes, yes, YES, I just returned from the Canastota Public Library where I installed an exhibition of seventy paintings (from three different encaustic & collage series) on the walls and tables in the Lawson community room!!!
Canastota Public Library
102 W. Center St. Canastota, NY 13032
Heraldry (Encaustic Heraldic Shields 2026): I completed these encaustic & collage paintings about two weeks ago. They are 6″ x 8″ hardboard mounted onto 8″ x 10″ cradled chalkboard and framed.
2. Arcadia 2 (Encaustic Targets 2025): I recently framed these encaustic & collage paintings. I originally planned to sell them along with table easel stands, but I like them better this way. They are 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 8″ x 10″ chalkboard and framed.
3. Arcadia 1 (Encaustic Targets 2024): These encaustic & collage target paintings are 6″ x 8″ mounted on 9 x 12 1/2″ chalkboards and sold with the table easel stands.
This exhibition will be on view during library hours through June 30th, 2026. If you are interested in making a purchase, my contact information is listed in three locations in the room.
The Lawson community room is in the basement of the facility. It contains a full kitchen and I believe it is available for small events, like club meetings. They have regularly scheduled exercise and knitting club events there, for example.
So, this is what’s happening. And P.S. – my painting Mustang Dance is currently on display at Main Street Arts. The art reception is Saturday, June 6th, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
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.
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
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, 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.
I finished a new series of heart paintings yesterday – they are 5″ x 7″ mounted on 9″ x 12″. I used metallic embroidery floss on all of them. In addition I’ve used mulberry papers and origami papers, dominoes, playing cards, Scrabble pieces and vintage stamps. I love them. I never get tired of making heart paintings.
But, with that said – I did pivot into a new idea. I am fascinated with the Ancient Civilization handbag. You find them in Ancient Egypt, Gobekli Tepe, within Mayan sculptures and other places around the globe. I researched shapes then created my stencils – twenty-four different bags.
I decided on 6″ x 6″ boards that will be mounted on 8″ x 10″. I layered the boards with beeswax and traced the stencils onto them. Today I added the mulberry papers and some origami papers, and tissue papers. I didn’t finish that step because I started rethinking color. At first, I thought I should use a different color for the handles and then – no. I changed my mind. I might have to remove some of what I did because I think I want to limit the color palette, since these handbags are always depicted as made of stone with cuniform marks or hieroglyphics on them. I will let it go for now and trust that I will have clarity in the morning. (Stay tuned).
The art reception for Women. Art. Voices at Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts is tomorrow evening from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. That exhibit is only up for about three weeks.
410 Canal Place
Little Falls New York 13365
(315) 823-0808
There are only eight butterfly paintings left to purchase at Art Haus Syracuse, 120 Walton Street, Syracuse, New York 13202. You can make a purchase using this link .
Karen Tashkovski, MARIPOSA, 2024, encaustic & collage on gesso board, 8″ x 8″
Art Haus will be open tomorrow and Saturday noon – 7:00 PM.
Karen Tashkovski, PAPILLON, 2024, encaustic & collage on gesso board, 8″ x 8″Karen Tashkovski, PITALUDKA, 2024, encaustic & collage on gesso board, 8″ x 8″
