Category Archives: oil painting

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

Image Leave a comment

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

Image Leave a comment

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.

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

Image Leave a comment
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

abstract, acrylic, art, art for sale, art gallery, art group, clay, clothing, cooperative, design, encaustic, jewelry, Karen Tashkovski, leather, mixed media, oil painting, pottery, retail, shopping, silk

Betsy Menson Sio

Image 2 Comments

On a recent visit to Cazenovia Artisans, 39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, New York, 13135, I met co-op member Betsy Menson Sio, a former art teacher in the Jordan-Elbridge School District, now working as a full-time artist and jewelry designer.  She is selling earrings made of vintage tins that speak of recycling paired with sterling silver.

The pieces are whimsical, meant to be worn for fun with everyday casual gear.  She calls her business East Street Tins.

This is a materials driven art form.  She must first find the vintage tins – soda cans, candy or coffee canisters, perhaps even motor oil containers – then decide on the shape and cut forming two symmetrical bespoke pieces.

She also creates necklaces and bracelets when not taking her weekly turn as salesperson at the gallery.

As mentioned, Cazenovia Artisans is a co-op.  Artist members must be voted in with the understanding that they will commit to retail sales as well as providing cohesive artwork for sale and paying a monthly fee.  There are other avenues as well – offering work on consignment or being considered as a guest artist.  All information is listed on their website.

Current hours of operation:

Mon

10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Tue

10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Wed

10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Thu

10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Fri

10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Sat

10:00 am – 05:00 pm

Sun

10:00 am – 04:00 pm

abstract, animals in art, art, art exhibition, art for sale, art in libraries, collage, encaustic, encaustic & collage, found object, heart paintings, Karen Tashkovski, oil painting, painting

East Syracuse Free Library & Me

Image Leave a comment

I just installed my art show at the East Syracuse Free Library, 4990 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13057.

It is a combination of three different art series:  Echolalia (2005), Talisman (2008) and Arcadia (2025).

Echolalia is a series of cats frolicking in a geometric field – oil & collage.  The Talisman series is about love – oil & collage.  Arcadia is built on targets – encaustic & collage.

I love the way they look together.  They are colorful, which corresponds with the library’s summer reading program, “Color Your World”.

This show will remain on display through August 2025.  Please check their website for summer hours (they will not be open on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months).

art, art exhibition, art for sale, art gallery, art venue, ceramics, colored pencil, digital art, drawing, editorial design, encaustic, encaustic & collage, etchings, heart paintings, hearts, illustration, india ink, installation, Karen Tashkovski, mixed media, oil painting, oil pastels, painting, pencil, printmaking

ROCO 6 x 6 x Infinity

Image 1 Comment

I took a road trip to the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (137 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14604) because today was the first day to peruse the annual 6 x 6 fundraiser.

Follow this link to reserve your favorites.  They are only $20 each, which is a bargain for my $75 heart paintings.  If you would like to reserve them, they are numbers 205, 206, 207 and 208.

See their website for more information including hours of operation.

acrylic, angels, animals in art, art, art for sale, art gallery, art venue, collage, encaustic, encaustic & collage, heart paintings, hearts, jewelry, Karen Tashkovski, leather, mixed media, oil painting, ornaments, painting, products, retail, shopping, Tashionista, TASHKOVSKI jewelry

Come one, Come All

Image Leave a comment

My holiday merchandise is ready for tomorrow night’s Sip & Shop event at AFL STUDIO, 301 E. Seneca Street, Manlius, NY 13104.  I think I will be sharing my gallery space with the Apricot Lane proprietor.

There will be a Botox medical professional and a “permanent” jewelry business there as well as light food and drinks.

I will be there at 3:45 PM, if you would like to come and shop early.  Hours for this party – 5:00 – 7:30 PM.

I created notecards that double as holiday ornaments and other special things including one hundred twelve hand painted postcard paintings of angels.  Prices are as marked on the package.  My jewelry collection is all marked as well.  The 36″ x 36″ oil and collage paintings are only $800 and the 18″ x 24″ oil and collage paintings are only $200.  The encaustic hearts with the stands are $75.

I will try to get my Square card reader operational to take charges.  You can also pay cash or use PayPal or Venmo.  Will I have cash to make change?  IDK.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and it will be a fun and festive evening!

See you there!

abstract, art, art for sale, art gallery, art venue, Karen Tashkovski, oil painting, painting

The Santy Abstracts

Image Leave a comment

Penny Santy had a pop up show at The Atrium, a downtown Syracuse venue that is currently sponsored by CNY Arts.  They have several more events planned until the end of the year (2024).  Next year the building will be renovated into an apartment complex.

This is the first time Penny has exhibited all of her abstract paintings together – works that were three years in the making.  She is influenced by Diebenkorn among other Abstract Expressionists, as well as music.

She sold many paintings during this weekend pop up.  If you want more information or wish to purchase a painting, find her at www.pennysanty.com.

art for sale, art gallery, ceramics, cooperative, encaustic, furniture, jewelry, Karen Tashkovski, oil painting, oil pastels, painting

Susan Machamer Jewelry

Image Leave a comment

There are a few ways to sell your artwork at Cazenovia Artisans. The information is on their website:

  1. You can apply to become a member and be juried in. This also requires a monthly fee and you must be available to work as a sales associate in the gallery on occasion.
  2. You can sell via consignment. Again, the other members must vote you in. The gallery takes a portion of your sales as your fee.
  3. There is also a visiting artist program where the artist shows during one month and gets a prominent wall in the gallery. Click here to read more about these opportunities.

Every time I shop here, I notice they’ve found new and unique ways to merchandise the shop. Two dimensional and three-dimensional art, clothing, soaps, jewelry and furniture are arranged to offer customers that magical discovery experience.

Jewelry designer Susan Machamer was in charge of the shop on Monday. It was such a pleasure to meet this dynamic artist/jewelry designer/metalsmith/business woman/college professor.

Machamer attended Syracuse University and later became a professor there, teaching metalsmith techniques. She owned Syracuse Jewelry where she worked with customers on bespoke design collaborations, as well as repairing damaged rings, necklaces and the like. At Cazenovia Jewelry she did more of the same (and still does on occasion) before venturing out as a creative free-spirit designing and selling limited editions of original semi-precious pieces of silver, gold and cultured pearls.

In addition to her work here at Cazenovia Artisans, you’ll be able to purchase her pieces at Edgewood Gallery in Syracuse. Machamer is planning an exhibition of jewelry alongside two other artists during November 2023 there.

She shared how she takes stones and transforms them into wearable pieces by first drawing out the ideas in a sketchbook. This new series will have a floral vibe. I loved how excited she was about this new work. It is such a delight to see that sparkle of creativity electrifying someone.

Cazenovia Artisans

39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, New York 13035

(315) 655-2225

info@cazenoviaartisans.com

Hours-

Mon10:00 am – 06:00 pm
Tue10:00 am – 06:00 pm
Wed10:00 am – 06:00 pm
Thu10:00 am – 06:00 pm
Fri10:00 am – 06:00 pm
Sat10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sun10:00 am – 04:00 pm

Daphne Verley is the featured artist this month. at Cazenovia Artisans.

There is also new work by Linda Bigness and Mary Padgett, Karen Burns, Dee Ann Von Hunke, Ede Walker and more.

You can also shop online!

art, encaustic, Karen Tashkovski, oil painting

Encaustic!

Image Leave a comment

My art studio is a mess right now.

I’m creating two different series of encaustic and collage paintings. I am so excited about these new ideas. Encaustic is a combination of beeswax and oil paint. The action required is deliberate and fast-paced. As soon as you remove the brush from the paint tin (which is resting on a heated pancake griddle), you must plunk it down quickly or it will solidify. It requires incredible focus coupled with an intuitive spark.

So grateful for the rainy day today. I worked in the studio from 9:00 am until about 5:30 pm.

The next step is adding the collage materials. That part is a bit like when a stylist accessorizes a fashion show. I have an idea of what devices I will use, materials that will make sense with the story I am telling visually. Each painting is unique but they must also be cohesive as a group.

I’m in the process of setting up a Patreon page for my social media with the idea that I can have exclusive articles and videos to share with the patrons. And information regarding art exhibitions. Right now it’s a bit overwhelming because my focus is currently on the execution of the artwork. Once that is all settled, I can share the link and reveal what I’ve been doing. Stay tuned.

It’s never a good idea to reveal in progress work unless you really want a critique. My thought is I want to cherish it, keep it to myself and enjoy the process. For now.

Today I said to myself – This is the best day of my life! Creating art is such a gift. Thank you, universe! <3