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 is a contemporary artist from Kentucky.  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.  Karen 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, rooted in the expressionist tradition, with imagery that comes from real-life situations and experiences.  In her work, she sometimes combines this imagery with forms and spaces that are less controlled, less defined.  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.  Some of her drawings are based more on real-world observation, and have used her animals as primary subjects.

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. Her work is represented in numerous private and public collections.

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 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 recent 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 and activities. Many of my current drawings are based on real-world observation, and utilize my animals as primary subjects.

Karen Spears, 2010