Tag Archives: Karen Tashkovski Visual Artist

Encaustic!

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

The Aphrodisiac

“$ EVER”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“LUXE”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“FIND”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″

I created this series of twenty-four paintings, Talisman, in 2008. It is a love story: layered, filled with treasure, sparkle within dust, games and prizes, secrets and lies.

I experimented with varnish for the first time. Experimented with the permanence as well. The chalk was meant to fade with the years. It’s been thirteen years now and I admire the patina of these old friends. Yesterday I did an internet search for a solution to save that dust from settling further and the win-win came in the form of Pantene hair spray, believe it or not. So now, these paintings are fixed in time.

And the funny thing is, upon reflection, they bring me back to a place where I thought I had nothing, but in fact, I had it all. All the answers to all of my questions. I just did not know it then, which made life seem so confusing.

This game of life is a puzzle but if you take the time to look, listen and feel with your heart, you will resonate with all of it.

“CHARM”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“MAGIC”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″

The paintings are 18″ x 24″. Oil paint and chalkboard paint. Found objects, games pieces, fabric.

They work best on a wall in multiples. That’s usually the way it goes with my artwork. If you like it, you really can’t get enough and you just want more.

They hold the narrative and that is a powerful aphrodisiac. <3

“TIC TOK”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“SHADOW”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“SHIELD”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“THYME”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“COIN”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“DOMINO”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“PRIZE”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“SECRET”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“LUCK”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“XOXO”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“LIBERTY”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“PRESTO”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“HEART”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“NINE GIFTS”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“VOW”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“PERFECT FIT”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“WIN-WIN”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″
“CREST”, 2008, mixed-media, 18″ x 24″