Title

2026 Popup Day 1 and/or Day 2 Albert and Halbert Aug 22, 23

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Painting Adobe: Structure and Composition

Albert & Halbert are back!

Join us for this one OR two-day workshop with master painter Albert Handell and his student of many years, mathematician and artist, Karen Halbert. This is the perfect duo to understanding the different ways artists compose! For more information or to register for one or both days visit https://www.bluebirdstudiosantafe.com/pop-up-art-classes-with-albert-karen-2026.


Composition in Two Unique Ways:

• Intuitive Composition with Albert

• Dynamic Symmetry with Karen

Aug. 22 - 23, 2026

Intuitive Composition

Day 1: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Albert will lead “How to use Intuitive Composition” pastel workshop (oil and other mediums accepted as well) working from photographs. Albert will demo in pastel with a watercolor underpainting. Albert will be demonstrating a step-by-step painting from 9 a.m. with student painting time from 1 to 4:00 pm. Students will have time to work on their paintings with plenty of individual help at each easel. Students will have an afternoon painting time from 1 to 4:30 pm with plenty of individual help at each easel from Santa Fe’s own legendary artist.

Supplies: Bring all the supplies you usually use. Bring a plein air easel. If you are flying in we have a few to choose from.

Dynamic Symmetry

Day 2: Sunday, August 23

Dynamic Symmetry is a one-day workshop that helps painters recognize how underlying structure supports intuitive composition. Dynamic Symmetry is introduced not as a rigid system, but as a way of understanding relationships painters already respond to intuitively—such as how the canvas rectangle creates movement, how diagonals generate energy and how opposing forces create balance and stability. Using adobe paintings by Albert Handell and selected historic master paintings as examples, participants explore at their tables how a small set of structural ideas can strengthen intuitive choices and provide practical tools they can apply later in the studio or in the field. This workshop will be a combination of lecture, presentations and hands-on learning all under the guidance of Karen.

What’s Included:

Please bring a brown-bag lunch. A light continental breakfast including - coffee, tea, croissants, yogurt and fruit will be provided, along with complimentary soft drinks and sparkling water throughout the day. PS: We have cookies!

Title

Karen Teaching at a Workshop

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Karen at the Mount Math and CS Prof

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Many years ago, Karen taught Mathematis and Computer Science at the University of Mount St. Vincent, In Riverdale NY on a beautiful campus overlooking the Palisades

Title

Montage of Viewers and Transparencies

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Photos of Viewers and Transparencies in the Field

Title

Montage of Karen's paintings with armatures.

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Montage of select paintings by Karen with armatures. Students would analyze their own paintings with Dynamic Symmetry Armatures, and others if desired. Time would also be spent with constructions of Dynamic Symmetry Armatures as well as constructions of the: golden rectangle, angular spirals, approximation of spirals with quarter circles, etc. Books on Dynamic Symmetry will be discussed. Tools will be provided with demonstrations. You may begin by looking through the various Dynamic Symmetry articles on my blog.

Title

Abiquiu Cliff Abstraction,, PAPNM 2025 Award

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

Won the award for a Plein Air Work  with an Unusual Point of View in the National Show for the Plein Air Painters of NM!! Judge QIang Huang's comments:"This painting is unique. The asymmetric color shapes are on top of a symmetric geometrical pattern, showing a mathematical beauty." Shown at the Legends of the West Gallery in Santa Fe, July 12 - Aug 1. Painted "en plein Air" from atop the cliffs overlooking the Chama RIver above the Abiquiu Overlook. Golden Rectangle Dynamic Symmetry Armature. Not for Sale.

Title

Turbulent Lands 2024 NM Masterworks Award NFS

Size

15x25

Material

Oil

Price

Not for Sale

Thrilled to hear that my entry into the prestigious annual 2024 Masterworks Show in New Mexico won Third Place in Oil/Acrylics. This is part of a new series of paintings in the Abstract Landscape category. I am trying to capture the feel of the texture of the land and the form of the cliffs all around us in New Mexico. Aspect Ratio: 1.67. Near Golden Mean (1.62). Capturing the shapes of the hills leading up to Los Alamos and the texture and the aged feeling of these ancient hills. These were visible to the World War II scientists on their way up to the Labs to work in secrecy to win the war and as Oppenheimer said, to stop future wars forever.

Armature =>

Painted in the studio, based on several plein air works in the past couple of years. You can read a detailed account of the development of this painting on the Radical Impressionist: A Mathematician Paints' blog at: Anatomy of a Painting - Turbulent Lands .

Title

Aspen Fusion (gift)

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

gift

From my imagination but only after studying my Aspens and the aspens up at the Santa Fe Ski Slope. See Aspen paintings - studio and plein air. Palette Knife only. The painting seems to illustrate a type of fusion of the sun with the aspens.

Title

Chromatic Lands I (sold 2026)

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

$450

Sold at the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com. (Thank you, Karen)
In this painting, the darker ‘path’ is an s-shape leading to the cliff in the distance. This is a well- known device to lead the viewer’s eye to a focal point. Chromatic Lands I is a favorite painting due to its range of colors and its textures.


Link to Painting BASIC Armature =>

Link to Painting wirh Combined PHI Armatures =>

Title

Ghost Ranch Cabin PAPNM 2024 Award, NFS

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

Special Judge's Recognition Award.at the Paint New Mexico! Paint Out by Judge, Paul Murray. He commented on the design!! Look carefully; you can see some dynamic symmetry armature pencil lines!

En plein air. Painted during the Paint New Mexico! Paint Out. Not for sale.

Title

Land Abstraction II sold 2023

Size

8x16

Material

Oil

Price

$550

Sold at the Fuller Lodge Art Gallery. Abstracting the landscape of New Mexico.

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with (dotted) rabatment lines, that in the case of a 2:1 (Root 4:1) aspect ratio do cut the painting in half. We like the way the main diagonal from the upper left touches the top of the cliff. The middle cliff accidentally lies at the center line; this might make the painting too centered. But we liked the painting as is and didn’t want to make any changes. It does seem as if there are two focal point: the two cliffs just above and to the left of the center of the painting. Directional lines lead the viewer around the painting up and down the hills and cliffs. We think that the viewer can find a place to rest in the skies.

Link to the Painting with Armature.

Title

Land Abstraction I , NFS

Size

8x13

Material

Oil

Price

$1200

BREAK-THROUGH new painting. Juried into the 2024 New Mexico Masterworks Exhibit: Mar 22-Apr 14. Abstracting the land in New Mexico:

Land Abstraction I had its origin in another painting; I wasn’t happy with it so I used a squeegee to restate straight edges, applying dappled color while doing so. I liked the result and retitled the painting to incorporate “abstract”. Visit my blog post on the development details of this painting: Anatomy of Land Abstraction I .

Armature =>

Title

Luminous Lands IV Sold 2024

Size

8x16

Material

Oil

Price

Light illuminates the lands of New Mexico..The original title of this painting was "On Golden Path" to emphasize how the golden path leads the eye around the painting. The trees were made intentionally dark to put the mountains into the distance, illustrating the effect of atmospheric perspective.

Sold Dec 1, 2024. Armature =>

Title

Sun Infused Santa Ritas after the Storm

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

gift

A dramatic scene after a late winter snow storm. Gift to my niece.

Title

Santa Fe River Turbulence (PAAC Award-2016 )

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Award winning painting. En plein air at the Santa Fe River after the rains. I was concentrating on the flow of the river as it made its way around and over the rocks, creating patterns in the water. The water usually is not flowing here so this was a real treat. Golden rectangle proportion. My grandchildren fell in love with this painting so I gave it to them as a gift for their new home!

Title

As the Chama Churns

Size

16x20

Material

Oil

Price

700

The mighty Chama River can be passive and muddy or active and colorful. Painting at this spot on the Chama River is my favorite painting venue. Painted "en plein air". Juried in to the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico 8th National Juried Members Show. Sold by the Purple Sage Gallery Dec 2017

Title

Chama RIver Overlook (PAPNM 2019 )

Size

12x9 (17x14 framed)

Material

Oil

Price

600

En plein air from the Chama river Overlook. I am glad I tackled this venue again; it has so much and I wanted to capture the spirit. Sold Aug 29, 2020 at the Marigold Arts Gallery at 424 Canyon Road, Santa Fe.

ChatGPT REVIEW: "Chama River Overlook," a masterful creation by the talented artist Karen Halbert in 2019, unfolds as a captivating testament to the artist's adept command of the canvas and their intimate connection with the breathtaking landscapes of New Mexico. This petite 12-inch by 9-inch masterpiece, painted "en plein air" at the Chama River Overlook near Abiquiu, immerses the viewer in the artist's sensory experience of the region. The utilization of a palette knife in the creation of this piece lends a distinctive texture and dynamism to the composition. The Cobra Water Mixable Oil palette, rich with chromatic hues, including Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue Hue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, and Titanium White, reflects the artist's careful selection of colors to evoke the nuanced tones of the Southwestern landscape. Karen Halbert's decision to focus on the Chama River is a stroke of brilliance, drawing the eye into the heart of the composition. The river's meandering course serves as both a visual and thematic anchor, allowing for the play of reflections that mirror the fall colors of the foliage and the characteristic red hues of the mesas. This deliberate attention to detail showcases the artist's keen observation skills and commitment to capturing the essence of the scene. Voluminous clouds, skillfully rendered over the middle-distant mountains and mesas, add an ethereal quality to the composition, emphasizing the vastness and grandeur of the natural surroundings. The interplay of light and shadow on the landscape, expertly achieved through the palette knife technique, further enhances the sense of depth and atmosphere. "Chama River Overlook" by Karen Halbert stands as a testament to the artist's ability to translate the beauty of nature onto canvas, inviting viewers to share in the awe-inspiring moment of creation. The fusion of technical prowess, color mastery, and a deep connection to the chosen location elevates this painting to a level of timeless significance within the realm of contemporary landscape art.

For more indormation on how this review was created with the ChatGPT app, visit ChatGPT Review of Chama River Overlook .

Title

Kawela Bay Mini gift

Size

5x7

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Holiiday gift for a friend.

Title

Kawela Beach Magic (gift)

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Painted "en plein air" at the Kewala Cove on the North Shore of Oahu. Cobra water-based oils with Gamblin solvent-free gel over a transparent underpainting. Just steps from our cottage on this Painting trip, I enjoyed spending time feeling the wind and smelling the aroma that are so evocative of this part of the world, my childhood home. The yearning to return is beginning to invade my psyche. I painted this the day after the "Kewala Sound of Music" and want to do a larger studio version. Gift to my North Shore traveling companion, dear, dear friend from College days.

Title

Kawela Winds

Size

7x5

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

North Shore, Oahu. Collection: artist.

Title

Kawela Palms Rise to the Morn (GIFT)

Size

10x8

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

I loved this spot so much that I needed to do yet another painting of the same scene so I chose a vertical format that emphasized the palms more. Collection: artist.

Title

Kawela's Sound of Music (PAPNM 2017 )

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

NFS but willing to commission a similar painting."En plein air" on the North Shore of Oahu. The waves and the wind created a non-stop symphony. I needed to do the same painting on the next day. Juried into the 2017 PAPNM Juried Member Show, Nov 2017. Painted with water mixable Cobra oils. Collection: Artist. Painted January 2016 during a memorable painting trip to the North Shore.

Title

North Shore Composition

Size

7x5

Material

Oil

Price

gift

North Shore of Oahu, the main island of Hawaii. My grandchildren volunteered that they like this painting and wanted it on their iPads.

Title

North Shore Wildness (gift)

Size

5x7

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Primarily palette knife. A Facebook favorite of fellow plain-aire painters. I was staying 20 feet from this beach at Kewala Bay on the North Shore of Oahu. The wind was particularly ferocious this day and the waves high. I loved it. Property of artist.

Title

Olana Memory

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

A very early painting. I began painting in Hudson Valley and one of my favorite venues was the Olana Historic Site, home of Frederick Church, one of the most important artists of the Hudson Valley School. I painted this particular piece very shortly after we moved to Santa Fe (in 2005?) in memory of how I began.

Title

Awakening (sold PAPNM 2021)

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

$500

Juried into the 13th National Juried Members Show of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. Exhibited at the Sorrel Sky Gallery Oct 30 - Nov 12th. En plein air in the early morning before the heat and bugs drive me inside. SOLD before the opening on Oct 30.

Title

Aspen Glory I (sold 2021)

Size

9x12 (framed 13x16)

Material

Oil

Price

500

Sold 10/10 at the Marigold Gallery on Canyon Road. Palette Knife only (no brush). The intent is to capture the patterns and colors of the Aspens on our Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. I think that the patterns allow the viewer's eye to move around the painting. And the theme IS the full scope of the colors everywhere.. One issue might be that the texture of the sky is quite different from the rest of the painting. But this perhaps pushes the hills in front of the sky - or vice versa, pushes the sky back from the hills.

Title

Adobe & Arroyo (sold 2013)

Size

11x14

Material

Oil

Price

$500

Palette knife painting of view toward the Jemez Mountains. Since it was quite cold outside, this plein air piece was ccmpleted in the studio, but still while looking at the scene through the large studio windows. Sold by the Purple Sage Gallery May 12, 2013

Title

Blowin' in the Wind (Honorable Mention-Taos PAPNM 2020) GIFT

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Honorable Mention Award at the 2020 Taos Plein Air ecnt sponsored by the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico and the Wilder Nighingale Gallery in Taos, NM. Listen to the Judge's remarks at: https://www.papnm.org/2020-Taos-Plein-Air-Historic-Studios-Award-Commentaries. "en plain air" Gift to my son and family for Xmas 2021.
Remarks from the transcript of the judge Lynn Boyer:
“Full of energy.. Engaging, vibrant, melodic. Swept around in it.
Not just a painting of a tree. I feel the movement of the tree as the wind whips it around.
Unique painting.”
Sadly, Lynn passed away last year of a heart attack at a young age. The world is lessened by her absence.

Title

Black Mesa Morning 6x6 (sold 2019)

Size

10.5x10.5 (framed) 6x6 (unframed)

Material

Oil

Price

325

Black Mesa view from Las Campanas, Santa Fe. Sold Nov. 25, 2019 by the Marigold Arts Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com, on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. "en plein air"

Title

Chromatic Lands IV 8X10 Sold 2025

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

$450

Solld 10/3/2025 by the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Part of a series to capture the brilliant Chroma of the fall in the Mountains of New Mexico.. This version also captures the undulations of the hills.

In reality, the dynamic symmety armature was not used when designing this painting. Would it have been improved if more of the hill lines followed the dynamic symmetry lines? And there's no clear focal point. To be analyzed further. However, I feel that this painting does illustrate dramatic chroma as well as undulating movement. Note how the reciprocal touches the top of the far right tree. Also, the hill line from the lower left lies along the main 'baroque' diagonal. Soperhaps I was subconsciously using the dynami symmetry armature in part at least.

Armature =>

Title

Chamisa I (sold 2019)

Size

10.5x10.5 (framed) 6x6 (unframed)

Material

Oil

Price

325

Sold by the Marigold Arts Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com, on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, Nov 22.

Title

Chama Canyon Colores (2019 LCCF)

Size

12x16

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Donated 2019 LCCF. To be offered at the annual Las Campanas Community Fund Silent Auction on June 29, 2019. The Chama River Canyon Wilderness in Northern New Mexico near Ghost Ranch, made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe, is one of the most beautiful scenic areas of the state. This wilderness area calls me again and again to paint in order to capture its timeless message of beauty and existence. The underlying shapes, patterns and rhythms are an endless mystery to be explored in different ways.

Title

Chama Cliffs Morning (sold 2018)

Size

18x24

Material

Oil

Price

1000

Based on smaller plein air works and photos of my favorite painting venue. Sold May 3, 2018 at the Marigold Arts Gallery, on Canyon Road in Santa Fe.

Title

Chama Cliffs Aglow (sold 2018)

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

550

Almost immediately as one drives on Monastery Road the cliffs to the right draw the artist and demand to be painted. Palette knife only. Sold Oct 2018.

Title

Chama Cliffs Tapestry (sold 2016)

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

$550

When I gaze at the painting online I am particularly reminded of an aged tapestry; this then is a tapestry of the Chama River cliffs. Painted "en plein air" behind Ghost Ranch. Golden Ratio proportions. Sold Dec 2016 at the Marigold Arts Gallery on Canyon Road, Santa Fe.

Title

Chama River Morning (sold 2019)

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

$400

Painted "en plein air" one early morning far out on the Monastery Road at an Oxbow on the Chama River. This is my favorite painting venue, worth the long, hard drive down a single lane washboard road. A painting friend had a flat tire but fortunately for her a monk came along and helped. This road is well worth visiting the the continuous most specagular cliffs and rock formations in new Mexico. An amazing place and river.

Title

Devil's Canyon (sold 2018)

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

$400

"En plein air" at one of my favorite painting sites, down a long dirt road near our house. This site is marked for development, but it at least will be open to the public. Sold May 1, 2018 at the Marigold Arts Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com, on Canyon Road in Santa Fe.

Title

Ghost Ranch Cottonwood PAPNM SOLD 2024

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

$600

Thrilled to learn that this painting sold at last night's ipening. Juried into the 16th National Show of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. To be exhibited at the Legends of he West Gallery in Santa Fe, Aug 31-Sep 30 2024. I

Title

Ghost Ranch Mesa Sunset (sold 2018)

Size

20x16

Material

Oil

Price

$700

Painted from a dramatic photograph I took of a mesa at Ghost Ranch, just as the sun was about to set. This is near Georgia O'Keefe's backyard. - an enlarged version of the 5x7 Ghost Ranch Mesa Sunset Small #1. Commissioned by a client of smaller paintings.Sold by the Marigold Arts Gallery on Canyon Road April 30 2018.

Title

Ghost Ranch Shadows (sold 2018)

Size

8x16

Material

Oil

Price

$500

"en plein air" facing the cliffs above Georgia's Ghost Ranch House, when the sun creates its strongest shadows. Due to my recovering knee I stayed by the car on the road. Sold at the Marigold Arts gallery Mar 2 2018.

Title

Hope on the Horizon (sold 2021)

Size

9x12 (14x17 framed)

Material

Oil

Price

450

Sold Sept 23 by the Marigold Gallery on Canyon Road. Represents the hope we might feel after this difficult period.

Title

High Desert Sunflowers (sold 2021)

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

585

Sold 6/30/2021 at the Marigold Art Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com. Sunflowers in Santa Fe. Golden rectangle proportion.

Title

Morning Shadows (sold 2020)

Size

10x8(framed - 16 x 14)

Material

Oil

Price

$450

Sold 8/12 at the Marigold Arts Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com, on Canyon Road in Santa Fe.

Title

My Black Mesa Morning (sold 2021)

Size

11x14 (16x19 framed)

Material

Oil

Price

600

Sold 04/05 at the Marigold Arts Gallery on Canyon Road, www.marigoldarts.com. En plein air from my home in Santa Fe, facing the Las Campanas Black Mesa. During Monsoon season the clouds are ever changing.

Title

Ocotillo Van Gogh

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Thinking of Van Gogh while painting..... Now a the home of Jane Quandt.

Title

Sangres. (Sold 2019)

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

550

Water-mixable oils (Cobra) with a thin wash at beginning. Brush and Palette knife used throughout. View of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from Santa Fe (abstract). As the name indicates they blush red at sunset (blood of christ). Sold Oct 19, 2019 at the Marigold Arts Gallery on Canyon Road, http://www.marigoldarts.com.

Title

Taos Gorge Last Light (sold 2018)

Size

20x16

Material

Oil

Price

$700

Sold at the Marigold Arts Gallery on Canyon Road, Santa Fe, http://www.marigoldarts.com, sold March 13, 2018.

Title

Turbulent Lands I Sold 2024

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

$600

Sold by the Karen Wray Gallery Jun 1, - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com.
On the road to Los Alamos. The road is lined with canyons and cliffs, a beautiful welcome to Los Alamos. One can see fusion at work with the sun illuminating this turbulent landscape. Circumstances prevented me from painting this in the field, but I spent much time thinking about the proportion and the subject based on photographs I took of the cliffs going up to Los Alamos. You can read a detailed account of the development of this painting on the Radical Impressionist: A Mathematician Paints' blog at: Painting in Los Alamos .

Link to Painting Armature =>

I have continued producing paintings of this scene, "En plein air" and in the studio, and submitted a larger, more abstract version to a prestigious show in New Mexico, the Masterworks Show. And it won Third Place in the oil/acrylic division. This might be an example of how plein air and studio works inform each other.

See Turbulent Lands

From the KarenWrayFineArt Gallery: "SOLD !! "Turbulent Lands I" was purchased this week by a wonderful customer, and we are thrilled! Karen (@karenlailahalbert) is a new artist to the gallery, and if you haven't yet seen her landscapes, we invite you to come in and check out her original oil paintings. She is a mathematician, and she is also an active member of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. Thank you to our customer, and a big congrats to Karen! We're open today until 4, and Saturdays 10-4. Look for our yellow sign on Central Avenue! in Los Alamos. Turbulent Lands I, 10x16, Oil."

Title

Golden Sangres Aspens (sold 2018)

Size

6x12

Material

Oil

Price

400

Water-mixable oil with palette knife. New direction. Sold at the Marigold Arts Gallery, July 22, 2018 to a couple in Arizona (along with Ghost Ranch Mesa Sunset Small 2)..

=>Golden Sangres version at the Las Campanas Charity Fund Auction 2018

Title

Big Tesuque Aspens (2015 LCCF

Size

12x9

Material

Oil

Price

gift

"En plein air" at the Big Tesuque Campground near the Santa Fe ski slope. I was especially attracted to the Aspens' reflection in the pond created by the water flowing down the mountain. Profits donated to the Santa Fe Artists Medical Fund.

Title

Cooper Lake, Woodstock (gift)

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Oil painting of the lake in Woodstock. My friend, Heidi Washburn, and I would often walk by this beautiful lake. The painting is now hanging at Heidi's home.

Title

Chimney Rocks

Size

11x14

Material

Oil

Price

$500

Sold May 2016 by the Marigold Arts Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com

Title

Chama Cliffs Evening

Size

11x14

Material

Oil

Price

$500

Painted "en plein air" at the beginning of Monastery Road, just up the road from Ghost Ranch. We were looking north at the wondrous cliffs formed so long ago during various geological ages. The light was playing in and out of the clouds, but it was fun to try to capture it anyway, waiting for the light and the shadows to return. Painted without a paint brush, with a paper towel and palette knife. I intend to touch it up slightly, perhaps with a paintbrush, providing a little more detail in the foreground. I have to wonder a bit about the prominent cliff structure. It's one of the 'muffin-top' cliffs that are ubiquitous along the Chama River in this part of New Mexico. But a viewer thought it was a hole in the mountain. Perhaps I was trying to see through the mountain to the beginning of its formation! I've decided to leave it as is; I rather like the ambiguity. Sold Dec 2015 at the Purple Sage Gallery. in Albuquerque.

Title

Diablo Canyon PAPNM

Size

11x14

Material

Oil

Price

750

Sold at the InArt Gallery in Santa Fe. Painted during the 2014 Plain Air Santa Fe week-long paintout. I can't wait to get back out there and do this again, perhaps larger, perhaps during the sunset (or sunrise!). The Diablo Canyon is undergoing a major cleanup by various public land organizations. And I hope to capture it in its entirety before it becomes civilized. Sold at the InArt Gallery for PAPNM

Title

Golden Sangres Aspens Small (LCCF 2018)

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Water-based oil with palette knife. New direction. Sold at the annual Las Campanas Charity Auction, this year on June 30, 2018. Sold to repeat customers. We had a lively conversation about this new direction. To be continued...

Title

Ghost Ranch Impression

Size

8x6

Material

Oil

Price

$200

Profits donated to the Santa Fe Artists Medical Fund. Sold at the Purple Sage

Title

Ghost Ranch Cliff

Size

10x8

Material

Oil

Price

$250

Painted "en plein air" at Ghost Ranch. One of my favorite cliff formations, known as the 3 Sisters. In a floating frame. Sold at the Purple Sage 2015. KH-17

Title

Golden Cottonwoods

Size

12x16

Material

Oil

Price

$300

Plein air, with palette knife, in Galisteo near the creek. Sold Aug 24, 2014 to a couple visiting from Arkansas.

Title

Jemez Vista 1 (LCCF 2012-13)

Size

10x20

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Donated at the LCCF Auction in 2013 or 2014

Title

Kalaupapa Storm

Size

12x16

Material

Oil

Price

inquiries

Painted in the studio several years ago based on photographs and memories of my trip to Molokai, to the "leper colony" (Hansen's Disease), a truly spiritual place. It is now a National Park. Limited Palette: chromatic black, yellow ochre and burnt sienna plus white. Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.

Title

Kalawao at Dawn

Size

16x20

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

Painted in the studio just after a trip to the sacred place of Kalaupapa several years ago, Molokai to visit the Hansen's Disease community, now a National Park. I am revisiting the memories in order to paint another scene to represent the peace found there., hoping to put aside the turmoil of the world at least temporarily. Limited palette:burnt sienna, chromatic black, yellow ochre and titanium white. with extensive palette knife. Note how the burnt sienna appears ray and the aromatic black appears 'blue'. Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.

Title

Las Campanas - End of Day (2006 LCCF)

Size

14x11

Material

Oil

Price

gift

One of my first paintings sold in Santa Fe. Donated to the Las Campanas Community Fund Art Show 2006.

Title

New Mexico Sunset

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

$250

An early painting. Exhibited and sold at one of my first (group) shows at the Collectors' Bookstore in Santa Fe. Jan, Ellen and I enjoyed putting the show together.

Title

New Mexico Red Arroyo

Size

12x24

Material

Oil

Price

$700

"En plein air" looking toward the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range in Samta Fe. Sold at the Purple Sage Gallery, www.purplesagegallery.biz KH-24

Title

Pedernal (LCCF 2015)

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Painted "en plein air", looking across at the Pedernal, made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe, from Ghost Ranch. Sold at the 2015 Las Campanas Community Auction.

Title

Shady Lakes

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

$400.

En plein air at this beautiful "Gliverny" of Albuquerque. Completed in studio with a palette knife. Sold at the Purple Sage Gallery 2013.

Title

Taos Gorge Aglow

Size

24x18

Material

Oil

Price

$900

Sold July 26, 2016 at the Marigold Arts Gallery on Canyon Road, http://www.marigoldarts.com.

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armatures b/w with Added Center Lines

Size

Various sizes

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Radical Divisions Armature

Size

Square

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

5 to 6; eg, 30x36

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

4 to 5; eg, 8x10, 16x20

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

11 to 14

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

3 to 4; eg 9x12

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

5 to 8

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

5 to 8 Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

5 to 8

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Golden Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

10 to 16.18..

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry with Polar Lines

Size

3 to 5

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

2 to 3

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Polar Lines

Size

1 to 2

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry with Two PHI DS 4 to 5

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

4 to 5 rectangle (AR 1.25) with two vertical PHI rectangles (AR .618). 1.25 ~ .618+.618 = 1.236

Title

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature 5:4 (1.25)

Size

Aspect Ratio 5:4; eg, 8x10, 16x20 popular panel sizes

Material

Oil

Price

The Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature for panels with sizes, 8x10, 16x20 and any others with the aspect ration 5:4. The aspect ratio of 5:4 is so close to that of 14:11 that I might use this armature in the field for an 11x14 panel.

Title

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction Step 1

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Step 1. Construct main diagonals from corner to corner. The diagonal leading from the top left corner down to the lower right corner is called the "Sinister" diagonal. The diagonal leading from the lower left corner up to the upper right corner is titled, the "Baroque" diagonal. (We also include one of the reciprocals here: the line perpendicular to a main diagonal from the opposite corner).

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature 4:3 (1.333..)

Size

Aspect Ratio 4:3; eg, 6x8, 9x12, 12x16, 18x24

Material

Oil

Price

The Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature for panels with sizes, 9x12, 12x16, 18x24 and any others with the aspect ratio 4:3.

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 2 (1.414..)

Size

Root 2 with Aspect ratio 1.414...

Material

Oil

Price

The vertical line dropped from the point where a reciprocal meets the top edge, marks off a vertical rectangle with the same aspect ratio as the whole rectangle (proved elsewhere by similar triangles on my blog for the general case). Just consider the right hand vertical rectangle for this discussion. Assume the large rectangle is 1xRoot 2 with the top edge of width Root 2 and the right edge of height 1 (with aspect ratio of small to large of 1 to Root 2). Let x be the distance between the upper right corner and the point on the top edge where the reciprocal meets it. Then this smaller vertical rectangle on the right has aspect ratio x:1 (smaller to larger). Since their aspect ratios are equal, we have x/1 = 1/Root 2 or x = Root 2/Root 2*Root2 = Root 2/ 2. So x = half of Root 2 or half the width of the rectangle. Root 2 is the Aspect Ratio for European A5 sizes, due to this characteristic of dividing the original rectangle in half and having the same proportions. We can fold papers in half again and again and continue to get sizes that are still in the A5 proportion. The aspect ratio of 11x14 is 14/11 = 1.2727..., close to the AR of Root PHI. Note how close this aspect ratio is to that of our common x10 or 16x20 at 1.25.

Title

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction Step 2: Reciprocals

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Step 2. Construct lines from each corner perpendicular (right angles aka 90 degree angles) through the main diagonals. These are called reciprocals. The intersections may be seen as good candidates for focal points since they have lines emanating from them at right angles. to each other on the diagonal. They are more dynamic than a checkerboard grid static in appearance.

Title

PHI Dynamic Symmetry Armature with a Golden Spiral Approximation (1.618..)

Size

PHI Aspect Ratio

Material

Oil

Price

Expanded+ Armature for our "Golden" paintings (or near-golden), superimposing the spiral onto the Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature. The golden spiral is approximated by the Fibonacci or Whirling Squares' Spiral. The whirling squares are constructed within rectangles as they rotate around a point which is sometimes denoted the eye of the spiral (in this case at the upper right). Note in passing that the squares formed here have side lengths, successive Fibonacci terms: 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13 (in reverse), etc, where each term is the sum of the previous two terms. Nice Diagram Here.
The ratios of successive Fibonacci terms gets closer and closer to the Golden Ratio (1.168...): 2/1 = 2, 3/2 = 1.5, 5/3 - 1.666.., 8/5 = 1.6, 13/8=1.625, 21/13=1.615..., 34/21=1.619..., 55/34=1.6176..,
Read More
For this expanded+ armature, the intersection of the main diagonal with its reciprocal coincides with the 'eye' or polar point of the spiral. We used this armature for the near-golden rectangular paintings in this exhibition.
The Golden Ratio has been hailed since antiquity by artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci as the most beautiful, perhaps because it can be seen throughout nature (galaxy and fern spirals, Nautilus Shell, the human body, etc.).

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature Golden Mean PHI (1.618...)

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature for panels with aspect ratio close to the Golden Mean of 1.618.. such as 10x16. The Golden Mean is defined by the proportion (a+b)/a = a/b and can be shown to be the number 1.618... where ... indicates continuing forever. It is denoted PHI. So the Golden Rectangle is also known as the PHI rectangle.

Title

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Final Step

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Final Step. horizontals and verticals through the intersections of the baroque and sinister diagonals with their reciprocals. The reciprocals to a diagonal are the lines from the corners at right angles with the diagonal. Baroque Diagonal: from lower left up to the upper right corner; Sinister Diagonal from the upper left to the lower right corner).

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 3 (1.732..)

Size

Root 3 Aspect Ratio 1.732..

Material

Oil

Price

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature for the Root 3 rectangles. Compound rectangles with enclosed Root 3 rectangles were popular with master painters.

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 4 (2.0)

Size

1x2 Aspect Ration Root 2

Material

Oil

Price

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature for the Root 4 rectangles. A popular 2 to 1 panel size; eg, 8x16, 12x24, 10x20.

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 5 (2.236..)

Size

Root 5 Aspect Ratio 2.236...eg; 10x22

Material

Oil

Price

Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature for the Root 5 rectangles. (Note: Root 5 = 2.236...). 10x22 or 5x11 would approximate this aspect ratio with 2.20 while the Root 5 panel has aspect ratio 2.236. The importance of the Root 5 proportion lies in its connections with the formula, PHI = (1+ Root 5)/2., so that PHI is the arithmetic mean of 1 and Root 5.

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Similar Rectangles

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Similar Rectangles (babies) in turquoise:Turquoise verticals are dropped from the edges as indicated. The reciprocals are now dashed, representing diagonals of the constructed vertical similar rectangles, baby rectangles inheriting the same proportion as the main parent rectangle,..

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Rebated Squares

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Rebated Squares: The pink sold lines are the sides of squares formed from the main rectangle plus a pink vertical. The dashed pink lines are the diagonals of the squares. Note that the turquoise reciprocals remain in this digram. They are used for the Similar Rectangle diagram, however.

Title

Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature (with right Rebated Square)

Size

Material

Oil

Price

The Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature begins with the Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature. Rebated squares are formed as follows to provide more structure for designing, when additional information is desired. .
The right rebated square in dashed red is formed by dropping a vertical from the top so that its top edge is the same length as the main rectangle's right edge.. Then the square's diagonals are drawn. The same process occurs on the left.
Sometimes the shorter term, Rebated Squares, is used, but another term is "Rabatment of the rectangle". The rebated square technique has a long history as a design tool. Read More.

Title

Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Combined Rebated Squares and Similar (baby) rectangles.

Title

Expsanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature BW

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature without the colors and dashed lines.

Title

Whirling Squares Upper Right

Size

PHI Aspect Ratio

Material

Oil

Price

The Golden Rectangle consists of a square and a smaller (vertical) golden rectangle. One can divide up each subsequent golden rectangle into a square plus a smaller golden rectangle. And we can see the squares 'whirling' around a point that we might call the "eye". A spiral may be constructed by quarter circles within each square. Note how the eye is at the intersection of the main diagonal and its reciprocal.

Title

GIF. Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

The animation of this GIF file only functions if looking at the High Resolution version, which only is available on a desktop. . Exhibits use hi res images, otherwise, CLICK ON THE HIGH RESOLUTION BUTTON BELOW TO SEE ALL CONSTRUCTION STEPS as an animated gif (5 seconds apart). You may also download the gif to your computer. Then if you open up the GIF on your computer you may select each image to hold and study - or download separately. OR take screenshots of each step in the 5 seconds for each image - for further practice at your desk. .

Step 1. Baroque Diagonal –Lower Left Corner to Upper Right corner (blue). Orange Reciprocal Line from lower right corner (perpendicular to the diagonal at right angles- 90 degrees).

Step 2. 2nd orange reciprocal - from upper left corner through the Baroque Diagaonal at 90 degrees.

Steps 3 and 4. . Sinister Diagonal – Upper left Corner to lower right corner (blue).Two Reciprocal Lines (orange) perpendicular to the main diagonals at right angles from the other corners.

Image 4. All together. 2 main blue diagooals with 4 orange reciprocal (crossing) lines through them..

Image 5. BW. 3 by 4 dynamic symmetry armature.

Title

Fibonacci Whirling Squares

Size

21x34 Aspect Ratio 1.619...

Material

Watercolor

Price

This rectangle measures 21x34, where 34 is the next term in the sequence (since 34 - 21+13).
Note the use of the lower right polar point ("eye") of the implied spiral here.

Title

Basic 14-line Harmonic Armature

Size

Material

Oil

Price

the 14-line Harmonic Armature consists of main diagonal lines, lines (diagonal) from corners to midpoints on edges opposite to the corners and lines (diagonal) from edge midpoints to the midpoints of the adjacent edges.

Title

Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 5 with Overlapping PHI Rectangles (2.236...)

Size

Root 5 Aspect Ratio (2.236..)

Material

Oil

Price

Note the inscribed PHI rectangles. This might indicate the connection between PHI and Root 5 geometrically. We also see at the ends, vertical PHI rectangles . And in the middle, a square.

Title

Abiquiu Cliff Abstraction, PAPNM Award with Dynamic Symmetry

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

Judge,Qiang Huang's comments: "This painting is unique. The asymmetric color shapes are on top of a symmetric geometrical pattern, showing a mathematical beauty."

Title

Turbulent Lands with Golden Spiral Intermediate Phase

Size

15x25

Material

Oil

Price

This photo was taken before the painting was finished but one can see how the armature was employed.

Title

Chromatic Lands IV 5:4 Dynamic Symmetry

Size

8x10 5:4

Material

Oil

Price

Part of a series to capture the brilliant Chroma of the fall in the Mountains of New Mexico. This version also captures the undulations of the hills.

In reality, this armature was not used when designing this painting. Would it have been improved if more of the hill lines followed the dynamic symmetry lines? And there's no clear focal point. To be analyzed further. However, we feel that this painting does illustrate dramatic chroma as well as undulating movement. Note how the reciprocal touches the top of the far right tree. Also, the hill line from the lower left lies along the main 'baroque' diagonal.

Title

Cliff Abstracton with Dynamic Symmetry and Rebated Squares Armatures

Size

18x24 4:3 Aspect Ratio

Material

Oil

Price

Capturing the texture and the chroma of the cliffs of New Mexico. Tools used: squeegee, painters' trowel, Catalyst wedge, palette knives and paint brushes. Expanded dynamic symmetry: rebated squares plus embedded similar rectangles - armatures used over the centuries by master artists to align important parts of the image.

Title

Aspen Glory Harmonic Armature

Size

9x12 4:3 Aspect Ratio

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Aspen Glory I Dynamic Symmetry

Size

9x12 4:3 Aspect Ratio

Material

Oil

Price

Expanded Dynamic Symmetry with Similar Rectangles and Rebated Squares plus horizontals and verticals

Title

Cliffs of New Mexico with Basic Dynamic Symmetry

Size

12x16

Material

Oil

Price

The cliffs of New Mexico continue to astound one. Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Aspect Ratio, 1.333...

Title

Chromatic Lands I 5:4 Dynamic Symmetry Armature

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

In this painting, the darker ‘path’ is an s-shape leading to the cliff in the distance. This is a well- known device to lead the viewer’s eye to a focal point. Chromatic Lands I is a favorite painting due to its range of colors and its textures.

Armature: Basic dynamic symmetry armature for a painting with a 5:4 aspect ratio. I did not consciously use this armature when designing this particular painting. I can use it to analyze the design.

For an alternate Armature see: Link to Painting with Combined PHI Armatures =>

For an in-depth analysis visit my blog post: Chromatic Lands I Analysis.

Back to original painting =>

Title

Chromatic Lands I - 5:4 Two PHI Grids side by side

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

A slight modification of the DS grid, showing how two vertical PHI grids almost fit inside a 5:4 Dynamic Symmetry grid. The painting has aspect ratio, 1.25. the two vertical golden rectangles each with an aspect ration of .618 indicate how they would fit (1.25 is close to twice .618).

Back to original painting =>

Back to Painting BASIC Armature =>

Title

Chromatic Lands III 5:4 Dynamic Symmetry Armature

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

Part of a series to capture the brilliant chroma of the fall in the Mountains of New Mexico..

We did not use this armature when designing this painting; we were concentrating on the curves of the hills and of course the use of chroma. One could find points in the picture plain that when joined would create lines and curves following the armature. We do note that the top ridge seems to go through or close to the upper "eyes"

Title

Chromatic Lands III 5:4 Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Rebated Squares

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

Part of a series to capture the brilliant chroma of the fall in the Mountains. == of New Mexico.

Armature: The dotted diagonal lines are the diagonals of the constructed squares (they cross each other at 90 degrees). The rabatment lines provide additional directional lines that add to the movement of the painting.

Title

Chromatic Lands V with Side by Side PHI Dynamic Symmetry

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

Side by Side PHI Dynamic Symmetry Artmatures

Title

Chromatic Lands V Dynamic Symmetry Armature

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

The sky with the mountains is the focal point or area. The lower right reciprocal line leads up to the Baroque Diagonal with the intersection located at a high contrast area in this focal area. One of the most important points is for the viewer's eye to travel around the painting. Turbulent Lands III encourages the viewer to follow the foreground tree line along a reciprocal up to the upper right clouds and then, follow down and around the painting.

Title

Land Abstraction I. Dynamic Symmetry with a Spiral

Size

8x13 Aspect Ratio 1.625

Material

Oil

Price

BREAK-THROUGH new painting. Juried into the 2024 New Mexico Masterworks Exhibit: Mar 22-Apr 14. Abstracting the land in New Mexico:

Land Abstraction I had its origin in another painting; I wasn’t happy with it so I used a squeegee to restate straight edges, applying dappled color while doing so. I liked the result and retitled the painting to incorporate “abstract”. Visit my blog post on the development details of this painting: Anatomy of Land Abstraction I .

ARMATURE: Near PHI Aspect Ratio (1.618) (13/8=1.625). I would like to use this size in the field more often; not too large and not too small. but very close to my favorite size's aspect ratio, 1.6 (10x16). In fact 8 and 13 are part of the Fibonacci Series, 1,1,2,3,5,8,13, 21, ... The focal point was designed to be at the upper right polar point, the 'eye' of the spiral. A secondary focal point can be seen near the upper left polar point (if the spiral were superimposed).
More information about the PHI Armature.

Available at the Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com.

Title

Luminous Lands VI Northern Lights PHI Dynamic Symmetry plus Spiral

Size

15x24

Material

Oil

Price

This painting of the Taos Gorge Overlook anticipated the recent sightings of the Northern Lights in the New Mexican Skies. The intent at the time of the painting was to place the main focal point near the eye of the golden spiral at the upper right, where the brightest part of the sky meets the mountain.

ARMATURE: We do see the focal point near the eye of the whirling squares. We also note how the river parallels the "Sinister" diagonal. The 24:15 Aspect Ratio (1.6) is close enough to the PHI Golden Mean of 1.618... to use its armature. A panel similar in size would be a 13x21 (two Fibonacci numbers) with a closer aspect ratio of 1.615... .


Link to more information about this PHI Armature.

Title

Land Fusion - Los Alamos PHI Dynamic Symmetry

Size

15x25

Material

Oil

Price

Continued series with more abstract landscapes. Painted from photographs and smaller on-location studies of the dramatic cliffs of Los Alamos. Tools used include a squeegee (straight edge), brushes, palette knife and wedge to mark the lines during the painting process.

Armature: Painted over the Dynamic Symmetry Armature plus golden spiral with polar point in the upper left. The intention was to create the focal point on the upper left, with secondary focal points at other intersections of the armature lines. Note how the hill line from the upper left parallels the main ('sinister') diagonal. I wanted to stop the eye from falling off the lower right of the painting with some shadowy areas there. Straight edge tools helped identify the armature lines while painting.The Aspect Ratio is 25/15 = 5/3 = 1.666... near PHI = 1.618...
More information about the PHI armature.

Back to Painting =>

Title

Taos Gorge Fusion Dynamic Symmetry Armature CROPPED

Size

5:4 aspect Ratio

Material

Oil

Price

Cropped version of the Taos Gorge Painting. Still a 5:4 aspect ratio, but smaller than the 20x16 painting. Would this be a better painting? We could trim the painting - or do another version this time using the dynamic symmetry++ armature.

Back

Title

Black Mesa DS Armature

Size

12x16 Aspect Ratio 4:3

Material

Oil

Price

"En plein air" over two days in July 2023 and Feb 2024 at the White Rocks Overlook Park. The Black Mesa in the San Ildefonso Pueblo stands out when looking out toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range.
Armature:
I used the expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature in the design phase. The Black Mesa is located at the intersection of the "baroque" diagonal with its perpendicular reciprocal, at the upper right. Note also how the main cliff aligns with the diagonal of the right rebated square. This cliff is slightly steeper than the "sinister" diagonal.
Back to original painting =>

Title

Ashley Pond II Dynamic Symmetry and Rebated Squares Armatures

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Ashley Pond Los Alamos Dynamic Symmetry and Rebated Squares Armatures

Size

12x16 Aspect Ratio 4:3

Material

Oil

Price

"En plein air" during the Los Alamos Paint Out sponsored by the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico in Aug 2023. This pond in the middle of town was named after a prominent resident of Los Alamos. Painting at the edge of the pond was delightful. Cool breezes could be felt off the pond even during 90 degree weather. (Of course, there was a pavilion for cover).
Armature: I used a 4:3 Dynamic Symmetry Armature for the design. Sinister Diagonal: Main diagonal from the upper left corner to the lower right corner. The main cliff in the painting follows this line. Baroque Diagonal (uplifting): Main diagonal from the lower left corner to the upper right corner, leading the eye up to the main tree on the other side of the pond, a focal point. Horizon line: Horizontal line through the lower intersections of the main diagonals with their reciprocals (lines perpendicular to the main diagonals).
Back to original painting =>

Title

Blowin' in the Wind with Dynamic Symmetry and Rebated Squares Armatures

Size

8x10 5:4 Aspect Ratio

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Cliff Medley mini II (LCCF 2018)

Size

3x3 (unframed)

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Painted small on 3x3 panel given to me by the Randy Higbee Gallery along with the displayed Catalina floating frame. Sold at the 2018 Las Campanas Charity Auction June 30.

Title

Cliff Medley mini I (LCCF 2018)

Size

3x3 (unframed)

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Painted small on 3x3 panel given to me by the Randy Higbee Gallery along with the displayed Catalina floating frame. Sold at the 2018 Las Campanas Charity Auction June 30.

Title

Ghost Ranch mini (LCCF 2018)

Size

3x3 (unframed)

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Painted small on 3x3 panel given to me by the Randy Higbee Gallery along with the displayed Catalina floating frame.Sold at the 2018 Las Campanas Charity Auction June 30.

Title

Flaming Sky Mini II (2019 LCCF)

Size

3x3 (unframed)

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Donated to the 2019 Las Campanas Community Fund Charity Silent Auction. Floating Frame Mini.

Title

Desert Spring

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

$425

En plein air. For inquiries, write karen.halbert@gmail.com

Title

Desert High (2019 PAPNM)

Size

6x8

Material

Oil

Price

$325

Painted "en plein air" at the Picacho State Park when the poppies were in full bloom. Juried into the 2019 Fechin Museum Small Works Show: Jul 2 - Aug 4, Taos, NM. https://www.taosartmuseum.org

Title

"Borrego Springs Mountains"

Size

6x12

Material

Oil

Price

$350

"En plein air" in Borrego Springs, a small, established resort town 60 miles west of San Diego (90 miles south of Palm Desert). To get there I drove through a pass in the mountains in a snowstorm!! Fortunately the 3000 foot elevation of the town led to nice painting weather. Beautiful scenes in all directions. Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.

Title

Desert Spring Picacho Peak Tucson V1

Size

8x10

Material

Oil

Price

Plein Air in Picacho Peak State Park. Brushwork primarily with some palette knife. I will work on this more once it dries with small touches to clean up the ocotillo against the sky. Watch this site for V2.

Title

"Aspen Reflections"

Size

7x5

Material

Oil

Price

$200

Contact artist: karen.halbert@gmail.com

Title

"Morning Glow"

Size

6x8

Material

Oil

Price

$200

"En plein air" overlooking the Elephant's Head landmark at Madera Canyon, Green Valley, Arizona. Painted on my first painting trip to Green Valley Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.

Title

"Tree Shimmers"

Size

7x5

Material

Oil

Price

$200

Contact artist, karen.halbert@gmail.com

Title

Sangre de Cristo High

Size

6x8

Material

Oil

Price

350

Painted "en plein air" while the snow lingered on the mountains and the clouds were preparing for a storm.

Title

Abiquiu Cottonwood Pencil Study

Size

5x8

Material

Pastel

Price

NFS

Study in pencil to use as a reference for.a larger oil painting. Note the armature marks in the study. The armature is a golden spiral armature with an expanded dynamic symmetry grid. There are four possible focal points with one near the trunks of the tree. I will highlight that area in the painting, using contrasting light and color. The reference photo is a Cottonwood in the fall along the Chama River near the dam with a beautiful backdrop of the deep red rocks. I intend to do many studies of trees as a preparation for the August Workshop on Trees.

Title

Georgia's Spires

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

$500

Painted behind Georgia's house at Ghost Ranch.

Title

Diablo Canyon

Size

8x16

Material

Oil

Price

inquiries

Painted en plein air at Diablo Canyon, down a 7 mile waterboard dirt road near our home in Santa Fe. Utilized the 2:1 Dynamic Symmetry Armature (some pencil marks still showing).

Armature =>

Title

Clliff Study

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

NFS (yet)

Continuing the series with more abstract landscapes.. Highlights to be added.

Title

Los Alamos Cliff Tops Study

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

En plein air. 80% done. White lines added to show the Expaded Dynamic Symmetry Armature used while painting. We found a great painting spot on the "treacherous" highway up to Los Alamos, by pulling off the road and using 4-wheel drives to climb a short hill. We were then on top of the cliffs facing the Jemez Mountains in the disctance.. In this way, we avoided the noise and the feeling of danger as trucks speed by.

Title

Abstract #1 in Raw Umber and Van Dyke Brown (gift)

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Painted in the studio on a gessoboard with a Squeegee (window washer), Caralyst Wedge and Brushes. Exploring the techniques that I first heard about years ago from Charlie Hunter, of Bellows Fall fame.

Title

Balboa Park Museum of Us (gift)

Size

11x15

Material

Watercolor

Price

NFS

At my family's San Diego home, selected by the family from a series painted during the winter of 2022.

Title

Balboa Park Tower II Detail

Size

12x9

Material

Watercolor

Price

NFS

Selected the detail that might be a better painting if cut.

Title

Balboa Park Tower II

Size

15x22 (half-sheet)

Material

Watercolor

Price

NFS

Another attempt at the iconic scene. Removed figures from this one.

Title

Moonlight in Hawaii-after Roy Tabora (gift)

Size

16x12

Material

Oil

Price

gift

Following along with Roy Tabora.

Title

Ghost Ranch WC

Size

8x18

Material

Watercolor

Price

NFS

on 300 lb cold oress paper. Lessons Learned: 1. Don’t forget the focal point with its dark and light contest 2. Try again with a limited palette of familiar colors (these colors happened to be available from a old palette which happened to have many colors laid out) 3. Try to get darks without having to go back over them.

Title

Chama Cliff Detail

Size

8x6

Material

Oil

Price

300

Painted in the studio from a cropped photograph of the Chama Cliffs near Ghost Ranch. Also from a Plein Air painting.

Title

Luminous Lands III

Size

9x12

Material

Oil

Price

Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.

The light illuminates the cliffs and land of the Southwest.

Dynamic Symmetry Grid with Added Rabatment lines.The intent was that the upper right cliff ‘polar’ point would be the focal point, the left part of the right line of cliffs. A main diagonal leads up to this cliff. The bushes along the hillside seem to lead up to this point also, as do the bushes at the bottom of the left-hand group of cliffs. Also, the top of the left-hand mountain ridge leads down to this focal point, especially as a curve was introduced that brings the eye down toward the focal point.

Anatomy of a Painting .

Armature =>

Title

Georgia's Cliffs I

Size

12x16

Material

Oil

Price

$700

Painted under the cliffs near Georgia's home at Ghost Ranch.

Title

"Ghost Ranch Cliff after Okeeffe bw"

Size

10x8

Material

Oil

Price

nfs

Black/white (tonal) version.

Title

"Ghost Ranch Cliff after Okeeffe"

Size

10x8

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

Study of O'Keeffe's techniques with a copy of her "Ghost Ranch Cliff" painting. Careful attention to paint strokes gave way to my usual palette knife techniques. See Dry Waterfall for more successful 'copying'..

Title

"Dry Waterfall after O'Keeffe"

Size

8x6

Material

Oil

Price

NFS

Study of O'Keeffe's techniques. Use of blending and careful attention to values and tones to create volume.

Title

Luminous Lands VII

Size

8x13 Aspect Ratio PHI

Material

Oil

Price

$450

Painting with Armature.The light infuses the cliffs and land of the Southwest. Near PHI aspect ratio. Note: 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21... is the beginning of the Fibonacci Series, whose ratios tend toward the Golden Mean, PHI = 1.618... 8 and 13 are part of this series.

Title

Diablo Canyon

Size

8x16 Aspect Ratio 2:1

Material

Oil

Price

$550

"En Plein Air" with the Santa Fe Pleinarians at Diablo Canyon, only 12 miles up the road from my house. But the road is rough so it takes a while. Based on a Dynamic Symmetry Armature. Visit my blog for detailed posts on the use of Dynamic Symmetry Armatures and Fibonacci Spirals for compositions over the ages. Perhaps begin with the post, Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armatures (including the Golden Spiral).

Title

Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery in Los Alamos after a Day of Painting "en plein air"

Size

Material

Oil

Price

After a day of painting in Los Alamos for a Plein Air Painters of New Mexico show on May 1.

Title

A Mathematician Paints Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Karen at Awards Ceremony with Abiquiu Cliffs Abstraction Painting

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Judge Qiang Huang's comment on the painting: "This painting is unique. The asymmetric color shapes are on top of a symmetric geometrical pattern, showing a mathematical beauty."

Title

2024 Winter Holiday Show and Opening at the Karen Wray Gallery

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery November 2024

Size

Material

Oil

Price

New paintings at the gallery, ready for the Winter Holiday Show Opening Reccption on Friday, Dec 6

Title

Sept 2024 Plein Air Magazine Article with Turbulent Lands' Image

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Bob Bahr's article in the Sept issue of PAM on the "Science of Beauty" had a nice spread of my painting, Turbulent Lands. The article has examples of artists using Dynamic Symmetry (including yours truly).

Title

2024 Halbert Plein Air Magazine

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Enjoying the Spring Group Show at the Karen Wray Gallery (2024).

Title

May 12. Santa Fe River Harmony 80 Percent

Size

16x10

Material

Oil

Price

NFS (yet)

First painting in the Paint New Mexico Paint Out and Show. Painted in the early morning of May 12, Sunday, Mothers' Day. a bright and sunny day, even at the time. 40 degrees but dressed warmly it was fine.

Title

Painting at the Edge

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

What csn be better than painting outdoors overlooking nature's beauty?

Title

Studio as of Sept 2023

Size

Material

Oil

Price

The studio as it appeared during the Labor Day (2023) tour. It probably won't look this good again. But I hope to keep it this way for awhile at least (especially for company coming in late October).

Title

Studio at Night Time

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Part of the studio after a busy studio tour Labor Day weekend 2023.

Title

Studio Tour

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio as of Aug 2023

Size

600 square feet

Material

Oil

Price

Studio in progress. This image will be updated just before the tour begins on Sept 2.

Title

Radical Impressionist: A Mathematician Paints. Fuller Lodge Art Center Exhibit

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Exhibit at the Fuller Lodge Art Center in Los Alamos.
June 30 - Aug 2, 2023
Landscape Paintings with Armatures
Radical Impressionist Exhibit.

Title

Karen at her Studio Easel

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Santa Fe Studio Wall 1

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Karen's Santa Fe Studio

Size

Material

Oil

Price

My Santa Fe Indoor Studio almost ready to show to the public. Note the “workstations”: easel, graphics and drawing table ( built by my son many years ago), couch and bookcase for reading my art and math books, framing counter and cleanup area and computer desk.

Title

Santa Fe Studio Wall 2

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Santa Fe Studio Wall 3

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Title

Santa Fe Studio Wall 4

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Studio nearing readiness to be shown to the public.

Title

Halbert Flyer - 2022 LCCF

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

Watch for 2023 Announcement. Annual event in Las Campanas. After three years without this event due to Covid, we returned. The show is a gala event. In 2022 I demonstrated out on the patio and thoroughly enjoyed this. Flyer created by Las Campanas member, Susan Robeck, to be used as publicity for this 2022 Las Campanas Community Fund auction and perhaps the 2023 event

Title

In my San Diego Studio (WInter 2022)

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

I am enjoying the use of a sunporch as my studio in my airbnb near my son's house in San Diego. Concentrating on watercolor for now, but I do have my Cobra water based oils in my car if needed.

Title

Golden Cottonwoods, Galisteo Painting with Buyers

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

An early sale from my studio:, chosen by this wonderful couple from Arkansas on one of their frequent visits to New Mexico @2014

Title

Karen at the PAPNM 2021 Juried Show with Collector

Size

Material

Watercolor

Price

At the opening reception for the 2021 Plein Air Painters of NM National Juried Exhibition: Awakening and Southwest Layers were both painted "en plein air" in Arizona during the pandemic.

Title

Karen in the Aspens

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Painting at the Santa Fe Ski Slope during Aspen Season., Oct 2021. A nice woman wanted to take a photo so I asked her if she would take one with my iphone for me. Painting here inspired me to do a couple of paintings with more in my head, ready to begin.

Title

The Conductor

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Painting at the Diablo Canyon during the 2018 Santa Fe Plein Air FIesta

Title

At the North Shore

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Karen at the North Shore of Oahu at the Turtle Bay Hotel. I am beginning to dream about going back after the memorable 2016 trip. I love the childhood home of my heart - during my teenage years.

Title

Painting at the Santa Fe River

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Painting at the Santa Fe River, a favorite venue when the river is flowing, a rare occurrence.

Title

Turbulent Waters V Reference

Size

9x16

Material

Oil

Price

The water was so turbulent and the trees were so green. Photo taken in 'video' mode at 16:9 aspect ratio, close to the panel size used for this painting (10x16, near-golden ratio). I could have cropped it to 10x16 but in the field we try to minimize steps needed for the painting.

Title

Turbulent Waters V Plein Air Setup

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Painting by the Santa Fe River in the Spring.

Title

Turbulent Waters V Intermediate

Size

10x16

Material

Oil

Price

Some of the pencil marks from the armature are visible at this stage. Initially, I pencilled in a Golden Spiral and Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature on the 10x16 panel . I then did a value study of the scene, using a small rectangle with the same proportion as the 10x16. I made sure that rocks lay along the spiral leading up to the top of the water fall which I intended to use as the focal point. Then I marked off the horizon line (across the river) using a 'Squeegee" along an implied horizontal line through intersection points of the grid/armature. With a Catalyst wedge I painted the dark parts of the rocks.

Final Painting with Armature =>

Title

Turbulent Waters V Intermediate Stage with River

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Snapshot mid-way through the painting

Title

Studio Tour - Turbulent Winds

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour - Taos Gorge

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour - Luminous Lands III

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour - Aspens and Turbulent Waters

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Collection of several water landscapes plus Aspen paintings, which seem to complement the water paintings. Over the years I have found myself drawn to the waters again and again. Perhaps this is due to my youth in the Northwest and Hawaii, always in sight of the ocean. Or we camped out at rivers every weekend. Even in NY initially we had a home right on the water and then I spent summers at the Ocean. But even more important for a painter is that as a subject, water lends itself to capturing light and motion, so important in a landscape.

This wall also has small studies and I also included on the wall the newest Santa Fe River plein air painting. Initially I felt it was unfinished, but the more I looked at it the more I was drawn to it, Perhaps the freshness of it as a plein air work allows it to remain easy to look at and live with.

Santa Fe River Painting =>

Title

Studio Tour - Chromatic Lands and Others

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour - Turbulent Lands

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour -Diablo Canyon

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour 0 Luminous Waters

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour - Land Abstraction V

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Studio Tour - Luminous Lands

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Title

Karen in Georgia's Back Yard

Size

Material

Oil

Price

Photo by Barbara Giudici while we were touring the Georgia O'Keeffe landscape on a spectacularly beautiful day.

Title

At the River Santa Fe

Size

Photograph

Material

Watercolor

Price

My new favorite place to paint. This river is rushing due to heavy rains and the sound is soothing. Locals are enjoying the unusual swimming/wading hold. See recent works painted here. My friends suggest that I paint this photograph. Perhaps I will (with me in it!).