Category Archives: landscapes

art, art for sale, encaustic, encaustic & collage, encaustic trees, found object, Karen Tashkovski, landscapes, mixed media, nature, oil pastels

Encaustic Trees

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Karen Tashkovski, COTTONWOOD, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, SYCAMORE, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard

It was three below zero in Syracuse today.  I did not visit my favorite trees on a hike – I draw the line at eleven degrees, thanks.

I spent the day completing my encaustic trees collection.  These paintings are 6″ x 8″ encaustic & collage mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard, and framed.

Karen Tashkovski, POPLAR, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, OAK, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard

I added oil pastels, vintage stamps, keys, embroidery floss, checkers, cedar chips, ribbon, 1963 pennies and French bobbins – from France!

I am so in love with them.  It is such a weird feeling – so happy to have completed them, proud of myself and the choices I made, but also sad that it is over.

I feel like I should expand the series.  I created twenty-four of them, twenty-four different tree shapes.  Do I make twenty-four more with twenty-four different shapes?  Do I reuse the shapes and change the colors, as I did with the lotus collection?  I don’t know yet.

Karen Tashkovski, HONEYLOCUST, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, MULBERRY, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard

I don’t even have a plan for where I will exhibit them.  I am scheduled to show at the East Syracuse Free Library this May through June, so, maybe there.

Karen Tashkovski, CHERRY, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, HEMLOCK, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard

I am actually still waiting for a back order of frames (four are technically not framed – I just set them in a broken frame in order to photograph them).  Once they get delivered, all the paintings will be stored away and I will vacuum and reclaim my living room floor, and my dining room table – until the next project presents itself. <3

Karen Tashkovski, APPLE, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, FIR, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, DOGWOOD, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, GUM, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, BERRY, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, WILLOW, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, SPRUCE, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, HICKORY, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, MAPLE, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, PINE, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, TAMARACK, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, CEDAR, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, ELM, 2016, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, CHESTNUT, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, BIRCH, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, WALNUT, 2026, 6” x 8” encaustic & collage mounted on 11” x 14” chalkboard
art, collage, color, encaustic, encaustic & collage, in progress art, in progress artwork, landscapes, mixed media

The Art of Creation

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Yesterday I experienced a meltdown.  I was adding the hardware to the backs of the frames and it was taking longer than I wanted it to, which led me to the inevitable existential crisis – what am I even doing and why??????

I took a mini-break to collect myself then continued until I finished that task.  I went for a hike, came home and had lunch then continued to tweak the paintings.

Adding the collage materials makes me feel a bit like a fashion stylist.  The items should enhance each individual painting while creating a cohesiveness that is essential for the overall arch of the series.

I began to have clarity and after hours of work… suffice to say that the new gold enamel paint had been delivered and I decided, at midnight that I had to apply it.  The gold to me represents the Japanese art of kintsugi.  So, it felt like a culmination of the emotional journey of this day.

I didn’t love it but I kept at it because it had worked nicely on the Lotus paintings.  But it WASN’T WORKING!!!!

This morning I spent several hours removing it. A painstaking process but one that was entirely necessary.  Metaphorically, it felt like I was erasing the negativity and the desire to fix something that is broken with something better, as kintsugi is known to do.  It is supposed to be a form of respect.

But these new paintings weren’t broken.  And they do not have any sort of negative emotion or melancholy infused in them.  They are my trees – the ones I visit every day while on my hike.  And if you believe in animism, they are strong, loving creatures that support one another in a storm, that provide shelter from the rain, that reach for the sun at all costs.

I wiped away the residue, like wiping away the tears I had shed earlier, and decided that what I am doing is important, because it is fun – and that is all that matters.

I am still waiting for a back order of frames and there is still  more work to be done on this artwork because it is all about the layers – the depth of character and all that hidden stuff that creates my visual language.

Stay tuned for the big reveal….

abstract, art, art for sale, collage, color, dominoes, encaustic, encaustic & collage, encaustic trees, in progress art, inspiration, landscapes, mixed media, nature, painting

Blizz

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It started snowing at 9:00 AM and now, at 5:00 PM we have already had what I think is eighteen inches of snow.  It has been relentless, but, no biggie, because we all knew it was coming.

So happy that my art studio is in my house because I’ve been working all day.  I added to the crown paintings – they are almost done.

Before I did that, I heated up the beeswax-filled crockpot then placed three coats of wax on 6″ x 8″ Ampersand hardboards and then traced the tree stencils onto them.

There are twenty-four boards and each will have a different tree design.  They are fresh and modern, and fun!  I’m excited.  I am an avid hiker.  I finally realized that trees should be an important part of my encaustic iconography.  Today was the day!

In fact, I had a realization about my artwork that I will share with you soon.  My series of crowns, horses, fans, bungalows, hearts, targets and now trees are all connected and I hope that they can all be shared together in one (or more) large gallery in the near future.

The overlap is a bit out of control focus-wise because, let’s face it, we are all attracted to the new thing, the latest thing.  I don’t want to rush the conclusion of these crowns.  I may have rushed adding collage materials today – I will allow the experience to digest and look at the work again with a fresh perspective later tonight or tomorrow.

I am loving my productivity though. I think I am an Existentialist and this is my purpose.  A vocation rather than a business.  I trust that the business and financial element will follow because I have already secured so many shows for 2026.

In that realm, next up is the Art Haus group show with a drop off in late February and the reception scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  I will be at the East Syracuse Free Library during May and June 2026, the Fayetteville Free Library in July 2026, the Hazard Branch Library in August 2026 and the drop off for another group exhibition in mid August at the Edgewood Gallery.  That show will be up through October 3, 2026.

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, art group, art venue, ceramics, clay, collage, color, design, drawing, encaustic, encaustic & collage, facces, fiberarts, jewelry, landscapes, mixed media, oil painting, painting, watercolor

Me & My Membership

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I am a member of the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (137 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14604.  My encaustic & collage painting, “Girl”, is there (above).  It is from my Fan-Girl series.

The Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s thirty-fourth Member Exhibition is in full swing through February 14, 2026.  There are over five hundred pieces of art in this show and it is AMAZING!

All artwork is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the gallery.  This exhibition is a must see!  I think what happens is you will be drawn to a few things at eye level then you’ll step back and see that there is so much more.  Sculpture, ceramics, paintings, photographs, abstracts, realism – it is the most eclectic mix of talent.

To the volunteers who erected this art show- I commend you!  It must have been a giant puzzle to solve to place everything in such a way that each piece gets the respect it deserves.  It is a glorious achievement.

The gallery hours –

Wed. – Sun. 12-5pm
Fri. 12-9pm

  • It is $2 per visit and free for members.

From their web-site:

RoCo was founded as the Pyramid Gallery

In 1977, a small group of artists led by Tony Petracca, John Kavanaugh and Albert Robbins joined together to exhibit their artwork, present an alternative to museums and commercial galleries, and expand the cultural offerings in the region.

Early on, the crew faced considerable obstacles. Only days after the grand opening there was a significant fire that left the small Monroe Ave. storefront and many artworks damaged. Fundraisers were held and walls were rebuilt. Thanks to the perseverance of the founders and their fellow artists, the Rochester art community has been the beneficiary ever since. After formalizing the organization began to receive New York State and foundation funding and soon began to play a significant role in the artist-run space movement of the era. Still there was uncertainty and challenges. The Culture Wars and shifting foundation priorities altered the funding landscape. Through the decades and several different locations, RoCo’s individual members have provided a stable base for the organization. This significant community support has enabled RoCo to survive and thrive when other small art centers have struggled and even closed their doors. In recent years RoCo’s membership and stature has grown significantly. Now as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we’ve achieved outright ownership of our facility and are approaching 1,000 members for the first time in the organization’s history.

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, art venue, figurative, inspiration, landscapes, oil painting, poetry

Intertwined

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I was lucky enough to spend the day with my dear friend and fellow artist, Penny Santy.  It was a lovely day for a drive to Little Falls, New York where Penny’s art show, Intertwined, is currently on exhibition at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts (MVCA), 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, New York 13365.

Penny gave a talk today explaining her process and the emotion that defines her work.  It is to do with motion – in winds, in ocean currents and in the way people must physically move, working together to attain goals, helping each other rise up the emotional ladder too, all while intertwining with nature.

Ghostly figures emerge from the abstracted canvases, which are inspired by her personal life, one of beach water sports, travel and enjoying time with family and friends.  In addition, she infuses a tribute to Native American mores and interprets favorite poetry stanzas then titles these oil paintings accordingly.

There are seventeen paintings in the show.  Several are still available for sale.  You can view this exhibition through November 14, 2025.  See the MVCA website for the deets including hours of operation.

hiking, installation, Karen Tashkovski, landscapes, lights, nature

Day Lights on the Lake

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It was around 2:00 PM when I took these pictures while taking a four mile walk (Is it a hike? Not really) on the parkway at 6790 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool, New York 13088.

The annual Wegman’s sponsored Lights on the Lake event is happening soon.  You pay on-line then drive your car through this light show.  But you can walk through it FOR FREE up until 4:30 PM – and if you are lucky enough to get there when it is a dark but not rainy day – you’re welcome!

I know!  So fun.

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, art venue, assemblage, clay, collage, digital art, drawing, fiberarts, installation, Karen Tashkovski, landscapes, mixed media, nature, oil painting, oil pastels, painting, pencil, photography, portraits, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor

Members Only 2025

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Joyce Hertzson, Pittsford, NY, The Fall Cometh, 2025, eco-print and watercolor
Jackie Dickinson, Aurora, NY, Shear Shape, 2025, found object in wood and metal
Steven Assmann, Auburn, NY, Niagara’s Plumes, 2025, oil on canvas
June Szabo, Trumansburg, NY, Common Ground, 2024, Sculpture

I had the opportunity to preview the Schweinfurth Art Center’s Member Show 2025, on display now through October 11, 2025.

I am a member of the museum but I did not participate this year.  They hang everything submitted.  It is really astonishing how cohesive the show is – a lot of artists using blue, for example.

Address: 205 Genesee St. Auburn, NY 13021, United States.

 Phone: 315.255.1553

 Email: mail@schweinfurthartcenter.org

Adele Anderson, Rochester, NY, Big Apple, 2025, water-miscible oil on canvas

Click here for the list of exhibiting artists.

Robert Whiteside, Pittsford, NY, Uovo d’oro, 2025, oil
Faithanne Flesher, Syracuse, NY, Dark Spring, 2025, mixed media, ink, paper, watercolor

Sherry Allen, Syracuse, NY, Breaking the Circle, 2024, mixed media
Steven Strauss, Cornwall on Hudson, NY, 3 Pileated Woodpeckers, 2024, oil and spray paint on MDF
Helen Bishop-Santelli, Rochester, NY, Twister, 2025, oil on canvas
Symmes Gardner, Ithaca, NY, Plnetarium, St. John’s College, 2023, oil on canvas
Michael Delaney, Auburn, NY, Metal Works, 2023, metal

Diana Godfrey, Syracuse, NY, From Above, 2024, acrylic/mixed media
Christina Bang, Pittsford, NY, Quietly into the Woods, 2024, Sculpture

Regina Sweet, Millport, NY, Night Sky Stars, 2023, beaded embroidery

animals in art, art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, ceramics, jewelry, landscapes

The Sky’s the Limit

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Under Open Sky is the title of the latest exhibition at Edgewood Gallery, 216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse, New York 13224.  The artwork will be available for sale through April 11, 2025.

I last saw Peter Valenti’s bird-infused  ceramic vessels at Hafner’s.  I told him he should contact Cheryl Chappell to get a show at Edgewood and he said he had already scheduled a show there! I am in love with these pieces, some of which are wood-fired.

Nikolay Mikushkin’s landscape paintings are breathtakingly beautiful,  He paints plein air, which means that he sets up his canvases outside and paints what he sees.  He captures light like an Impressionist but the clarity of the brush stroke in the branches of the trees is laser sharp.  These paintings are highly collectable!  Both his and Valenti’s work had several red stickers on their tags, which means they’ve been sold.  You better head over to the gallery asap before they sell out of these magnificent pieces.

In the jewelry department, Judi Witkin and others who form the Bead Society of Central New York are displaying intricately detailed seed beaded necklaces, bracelets and trompe l’oeil items, many of which display the flora-fauna motifs to complete the outdoorsy theme of the exhibition.

The Edgewood Gallery is small but it is so well-curated and the show is a harmonious  blend of color, texture and a tease of springtime to come (please, god, soon!) to Syracuse.

The gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

acrylic, animals in art, art, hiking, landscapes, nature, outdoor art, painted rocks

Delphi Falls

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Delphi Falls County Park is undergoing massive renovations.  They’ve finished stairs to climb the path to the top of the falls.  It is magnificent and peaceful, with that gorgeous undercurrent of the waterfalls murmuring softly.

This used to be someone’s backyard.  Private property.  How amazing that must have been!  Now it is a Madison County Park.  They are still working on the lower part of the park where the house used to be, planning a convention center, as well as a trail up the side of the falls – this area was not available to us.  Everything will be ready for Spring 2025.

Currently, the trail up to the falls where the stairs are is open and that is where you will find a dozen bear rocks if you choose to search.  Happy trails!

Special thanks to Patri and Katherine for joining me on this adventure.  Not sure how many more fifty degree weather days we have left in November in Syracuse, New York – we really have been blessed with this mild Autumn.  A lot more, please!  <3

 

hiking, Karen Tashkovski, landscapes, nature, outdoor art, painted rocks, painting

Baltimore Woods Nature Center

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Baltimore Woods Nature Center is a heavenly park of hiking trails located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, New York 13108.

We’ve been having fifty degree weather – sunshine and blue skies – the perfect weather to hike these trails.  This is an excellent workout.  The woods encompass a series of drumlins with paths going up, down, and all around in a circle maze with bridges and stairs, and creeks and lots of trees including chestnut trees!!!  So beautiful.  If you’ve never been there, make a plan to experience this asap.

I left a dozen angel rocks around the site to enhance the blissful feeling of this peaceful serenity.  The joy of nature is everything.

Thank you, Patri, for sharing this adventure with me.  I appreciate you!!! <3