Jumping, Fishing Oil on canvas • 44" x 88"

Samuel Charcoal on paper 30 " x 44"

Sam's Dogs Oil on canvas 59 " x 92"

Birds Oil on canvas • 36" x 48"

Snow and Ladders Oil on canvas • 20" x 40"

Dog swimming Oil on canvas • 30" x 40"

Stick Charcoal on paper • 30" x 44"

Blackbirds Oil on canvas • 49" x 59"

Boy with Fireflies Oil on canvas • 37" x 48"

WORKS SOLD

About the Artist

Karen Spears has lived in Kentucky for over 25 years. Originally from Texas, she has a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Louisville and an M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She is a Professor in the Department of Art and Design at Eastern Kentucky University where she currently teaches painting and drawing. Karen’s artwork has been described as autobiographical, with imagery that comes from real-life situations and experiences. However, she sometimes combines this imagery with forms and spaces that are less controlled. In recent years, she has been dealing with the domestic arena--both interiors and landscape environments, and the seemingly magical occurrences that come out of everyday observations and experiences.

Karen has been the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including a 1992 Al Smith Fellowship from the Kentucky Arts Council, a 2000 Professional Assistance Award and a 2007 Professional Development Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council, two fellowships from the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and a 2008 Research Award from Eastern Kentucky University. She has traveled, taught and exhibited regionally, nationally, and in Europe. She is represented in numerous private and public collections, and has been featured in Kentucky Educational Television’s Looking at Painting. Karen resides in Lexington, Kentucky with her husband and son.

November 2008

Artist's Statement

In general, my artwork is autobiographical. The imagery comes from real-life situations and experiences, but may be combined with forms and spaces that are less controlled, less defined. My work often has a narrative quality to it. Sometimes there is an element of mystery--a tension between what is known and what is felt. In the past few years, I have been dealing more with the domestic arena--both interiors and landscape environments, and the seemingly magical occurrences that come out of everyday observations and experiences.

In my current paintings, I have pushed my interest in surface, color, and the unique qualities of paint. Some of the imagery has been inspired by children’s art--specifically, the artwork my son created when he was a young child. My current drawings focus more on working from observation, and the space and tension created between the drawn image and the two-dimensional page. The animals in my life have been a great inspiration: both two-legged and four-legged.

Karen Spears, 2008