Workshop Overview
- Title
- Workshop Overview
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Karen has gradually developed a series of workshops on Dynamic Symmetry and Composition, collaborating with the internationally known artist, Albert Handell. .Handell wrote the seminal book on Intuitive Composition in 1985.
2026: Aug 22,23. Halbert and Handell will continue their collaboration on Intuitive Composition.- Focus Adobes . This workshop looks at the foundations of composition in a new light, providing the participants with a thorough grounding in the concepts of composition and the role of intution and of Dynamic Symmetry in the artist's paintings. See the 2026 workshop tab for details.
2025 Aug 24. Halbert and Handell Weekend Workshop on Composition and Armatures: Focus-Trees.
Visit:
2025 Workshop Highlights
2024 Nov 10.Halbert and Handell Workshop on Composition and Armatures Focus-Rocks and Water .
2023 Workshop on Composition and Armatures
Karen has a background teaching introductory math to liberal arts students. After leaving the academic world and a career in computers in Manhattan she moved to Santa Fe and has been a practicing artist for over 20 years. When the long-standing Canyon Road Gallery representing her closed two years ago, Karen began to devote herself to research in areas where Mathematics touches Art. She is currently represented by the Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery in Los Alamos.
In the past few years, Dynamic Symmetry has paid off for Karen; recently she won an award with this comment by the judge: 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." My fellow artists asked themselves, how did the judge know Karen was a Mathematician.?
* "Radical" is a play on words; it's the term Mathematicians use for 'root'; eg, square root. But in addition, radicals play a part in armatures.
Workshop Overview
2026 Weekend with Halbert and Handell Aug 22, 23
- Title
- 2026 Weekend with Halbert and Handell Aug 22, 23
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
This two-day weekend workshop at the Bluebird Studios in Santa Fe offers painters a complementary approach to intuitive composition through both practice and structural understanding, using adobe architecture and Southwestern landscape as a shared visual focus. On Saturday, Albert Handell leads a full-day painting session centered on intuitive decision-making through demonstration and guided studio work. On Sunday, Karen Halbert introduces Dynamic Symmetry as a perceptual framework that helps artists recognize the underlying structure supporting intuitive choices, drawing from Handell adobe paintings and selected historic master works. Together, the sessions provide painters with hands-on experience and deeper insight into how movement, balance and structure work together to strengthen composition over time.
More Details:
Saturday with Albert:
TItle: A Unique Intuitive Approach to Composition
Albert Handell leads the first day focused on intuitive decision-making through a pastel demonstration in the morning. Participants observe Albert’s process and then apply what they see in their own painting during the afternoon.:
Sunday with Karen:
Title: Dynamic Symmetry & Intuition
On the second day of the workshop the painters will learn 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.
You may sign up for one day or two.
Registration link available soon or for more information visit Bluebird Studios in Santa Fe: https://www.bluebirdstudiosantafe.com .
2026 Weekend with Halbert and Handell Aug 22, 23
2025 Aug Plein Air Magazine Ad
- Title
- 2025 Aug Plein Air Magazine Ad
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
This ad includes information about the Aug 2025 Workshop with Albert Handell. Visit Karen's Blog to see the Highlights of this 2025 workshop.
2025 Aug Plein Air Magazine Ad
Turbulent Lands 15x25 2024 NM Masterworks Award
- Title
- Turbulent Lands 15x25 2024 NM Masterworks Award
- Size
- 15x25
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $1300
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 .
Turbulent Lands 15x25 2024 NM Masterworks Award 15x25
An Ancient Cottonwood 12x12
- Title
- An Ancient Cottonwood 12x12
- Size
- 12x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $650
"En plein air" at the historic Los Luceros Ranch in NM with the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico at a Paint Along with Peggy Immel. An enjoyable time was had by all at this beautiful location. I shall return to paint these remarkable trees again!!!
An Ancient Cottonwood 12x12 12x12
Abiquiu Cliff Abstraction, 10x16, PAPNM 2025 Award
- Title
- Abiquiu Cliff Abstraction, 10x16, PAPNM 2025 Award
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600 NFS Yet
Won an arward 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." Will be showing 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.
Abiquiu Cliff Abstraction, 10x16, PAPNM 2025 Award 10x16
Chama River Hillside, 11x14
- Title
- Chama River Hillside, 11x14
- Size
- 11x14
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
Plein air during the winter retreat at the Abiquiu Inn.
Chama River Hillside, 11x14 11x14
Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre 10x16 2025 oil
- Title
- Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre 10x16 2025 oil
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
Juried into the National Show for the Plein Air Painters of NM. Will be showing at the Legends of the West Gallery in Santa Fe, July 12 - Aug 1. "En plein air" 80 percent with studio touch-ups. Extensive use of straight edge tools such as a squeegee, Catalyst wedge and palette knife, plus brushes of course on site and in studio.The geological formations of the cliffs at Ghost Ranch lend themselves to abstraction considerations. 10x16, 1.6 aspect ratio, is near Golden Mean proportions (1.618...).
Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre 10x16 2025 oil 10x16
Ghost Ranch Cabin PAPNM 2024 Award 9x12
- Title
- Ghost Ranch Cabin PAPNM 2024 Award 9x12
- Size
- 9x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $550
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.
Ghost Ranch Cabin PAPNM 2024 Award 9x12 9x12
Ghost Ranch Cottonwood 10x16 PAPNM SOLD 2024
- Title
- Ghost Ranch Cottonwood 10x16 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
Ghost Ranch Cottonwood 10x16 PAPNM SOLD 2024 10x16
Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Winter 10x16
- Title
- Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Winter 10x16
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
I"En plein air" from the WW II Internment Camp Monument Park in Santa Fe while the snow was still on the mountains (Feb). Near golden mean proportions.
I
Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Winter 10x16 10x16
Turbulent Lands I 10x16 Sold 2024
- Title
- Turbulent Lands I 10x16 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."
Turbulent Lands I 10x16 Sold 2024 10x16
Cliff Abstraction 18x24
- Title
- Cliff Abstraction 18x24
- Size
- 18x24
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $1500
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382: www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Capturing the texture and the chroma of the cliffs of New Mexico. Tools used: squeegee, painters' trowel, Catalyst wedge, palette knives and paint brushes.
Cliff Abstraction 18x24 18x24
Aspen Fusion
- Title
- Aspen Fusion
- Size
- 9x12 (framed 13x16)
- 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.
Aspen Fusion 9x12 (framed 13x16)
Black Mesa 12x16
- Title
- Black Mesa 12x16
- Size
- 12x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $700
"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.
Link to armature superimposed on the painting =>
Black Mesa 12x16 12x16
Blowin' in the Wind (Honorable Mention-Taos PAPNM 2020) GIFT
- Title
- Blowin' in the Wind (Honorable Mention-Taos PAPNM 2020) GIFT
- Size
- 8x10 (framed 13x15)
- 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.
Blowin' in the Wind (Honorable Mention-Taos PAPNM 2020) GIFT 8x10 (framed 13x15)
Cliffs of New Mexico 12x16
- Title
- Cliffs of New Mexico 12x16
- Size
- 12x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $700
The cliffs of New Mexico continue to astound one.
Cliffs of New Mexico 12x16 12x16
Camino la Tierra 9x12
- Title
- Camino la Tierra 9x12
- Size
- 9x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $500
Exhibited in the National Juried Members' Show for the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. at the Legends of the West Gallery in Santa Fe, Sept 2 - 16, 2023. Plein air near my home with the Santa Fe Pleinarians. Title changed and slight modifications made.
Link to the Painting with Armature.
Inquiries: call the Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery - (505) 660-6382: www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Camino la Tierra 9x12 9x12
Chromatic Lands V 8x10
- Title
- Chromatic Lands V 8x10
- Size
- 8x10
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $450
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com.
The aspens above Santa Fe are glorious during the fall and are part of my continuing series to
capture fall color. One of the most important points is for the viewer's eye to travel around the painting. The painting encourages the viewer to follow the foreground tree line up to the upper right clouds and then, follow down and around the painting.
Armature =>
Inquiries: call the Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery - (505) 660-6382: www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Chromatic Lands V 8x10 8x10
Chromatic Lands III 8x10
- Title
- Chromatic Lands III 8x10
- Size
- 8x10
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $450
Available at 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.
I did not use an armature when designing this painting; Iwere 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. Note that the top ridge seems to go through or close to the "eyes"
Armature =>
Chromatic Lands III 8x10 8x10
Chromatic Lands I 8x10
- Title
- Chromatic Lands I 8x10
- Size
- 8x10
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $450
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com.
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 =>
Chromatic Lands I 8x10 8x10
Chama Canyon Colores (2019 LCCF)
- 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.
Chama Canyon Colores (2019 LCCF) 12x16
Chama Cliffs Aglow (sold 2018)
- 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.
Chama Cliffs Aglow (sold 2018) 10x16
Dawn - Los Alamos 10x16
- Title
- Dawn - Los Alamos 10x16
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
"En plein air" at dawn on the road to Los Alamos. I've enjoyed painting the cliffs at many times of day, either "en plein air" or in the studio. My landscaped abstractions are often based on this or similar scenes.
Armature =>
Dawn - Los Alamos 10x16 10x16
Golden Sangres Aspens (sold 2018)
- 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
Golden Sangres Aspens (sold 2018) 6x12
Georgia's Towering Cliff 14x11
- Title
- Georgia's Towering Cliff 14x11
- Size
- 14x11
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
The clouds opened up on Georgia's cliff while hiking in her back yard.
Georgia's Towering Cliff 14x11 14x11
Ghost Ranch Shadows (sold 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.
Ghost Ranch Shadows (sold 2018) 8x16
High Desert Sunflowers (sold 2021)
- Title
- High Desert Sunflowers (sold 2021)
- Size
- 10x16 (15x21 framed)
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- 585
Sold 6/30/2021 at the Marigold Art Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com. Sunflowers in Santa Fe. Golden rectangle proportion.
High Desert Sunflowers (sold 2021) 10x16 (15x21 framed)
Los Alamos Hills Impression 10x16
- Title
- Los Alamos Hills Impression 10x16
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery: - (505) 660-6382 www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Continuing the series of the hills and cliffs of New Mexico.
Los Alamos Hills Impression 10x16 10x16
Land Fusion - Los Alamos 15x25
- Title
- Land Fusion - Los Alamos 15x25
- Size
- 15x25
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $1200
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery: - (505) 660-6382 www.karenwrayfineart.com.
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. Yes, this is the home of the Atomic Bomb from WWII but it's also the home of advanced research in Fusion, a promising source of soloar powered electricity.
Link to Armature =>
Land Fusion - Los Alamos 15x25 15x25
Land Abstraction II sold 2023
- Title
- Land Abstraction II sold 2023
- Size
- 8x16 Aspect Ratio 2:1
- 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.
Land Abstraction II sold 2023 8x16 Aspect Ratio 2:1
Land Abstraction I 8x13
- Title
- Land Abstraction I 8x13
- 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 =>
Land Abstraction I 8x13 8x13
Luminous Lands I 12x19
- Title
- Luminous Lands I 12x19
- Size
- 12x19
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $700
First phase of the painting: flat color blocks, with brighter colors in the foreground. Then the colors were modified with lighter or grayer colors to show form. The overall intent was to show how light illuminates the southwest as if the sun is infusing the land with its light and power. The eternal question to ask: is the viewer’s eye drawn around the painting. Another question to ask is: is there a resting point? The sky is a good restful area to pause for a few moments.
Luminous Lands I 12x19 12x19
Luminous Lands IV 8x16 Sold 2024
- Title
- Luminous Lands IV 8x16 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 =>
Luminous Lands IV 8x16 Sold 2024 8x16
Luminous Lands VI
- Title
- Luminous Lands VI
- Size
- 11x14
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
Near Root PHI proportions (1.270...:1)From a plein air trip up Sabino Canyon in Tucson.We missed the tram so we trekked up the road, crossing over rivers that were overflowing onto the road/path.
Luminous Lands VI 11x14
Luminous Lands VI - Northern Lights
- Title
- Luminous Lands VI - Northern Lights
- Size
- 15x24
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $1000
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.
View this painting with an Armature.
Luminous Lands VI - Northern Lights 15x24
Ocotillo Van Gogh
- Title
- Ocotillo Van Gogh
- Size
- 8x10 (12x16 framed)
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- gift
Thinking of Van Gogh while painting..... Now a the home of Jane Quandt.
Ocotillo Van Gogh 8x10 (12x16 framed)
Spring at Ghost Ranch 10x16
- Title
- Spring at Ghost Ranch 10x16
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com.
En plein air. The views of the cliffs around Ghost Ranch are amazing. It's hard to decide what to paint. For this view, I liked the feeling of the sun raking over the nearby hillside.
Spring at Ghost Ranch 10x16 10x16
Sun Infused Santa Ritas after the Storm
- 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.
Sun Infused Santa Ritas after the Storm 9x12
Storm Coming (PAPNM 2020)
- Title
- Storm Coming (PAPNM 2020)
- Size
- 12x9
- Material
- Watercolor
- Price
- 400
Exhibited at The Wilder Nightingale Gallery in Taos: July 17-Aug17. www.wnightingale.com. sponsored by the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. I enjoyed capturing the feeling of the New Mexican clouds during monsoon season. As I painted I let the watercolor take shape, moving and blending as is it desires. - with a little help tilting the paper. Years ago I began painting using watercolors, my first love. In the intervening years I have concentrated more on oil paints, the medium of masters. Oil paint is more forgiving and it’s easier to achieve rich colors. But watercolor still calls to me. And here’s one of my first results after these many years. I will do more watercolor!!! And will have it with me whenever I travel or venture out onto distant paths.
Storm Coming (PAPNM 2020) 12x9
Sangres. (Sold 2019)
- Title
- Sangres. (Sold 2019)
- Size
- 10x16 (framed - 14x20)
- 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.
Sangres. (Sold 2019) 10x16 (framed - 14x20)
Turbulent Winds III 12x16
- Title
- Turbulent Winds III 12x16
- Size
- 12x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $700
The growth of trees is so intriguing, which makes them natural candidates for painting. Capturing the feeling and sound of the wind as it moves through the trees is part of the joy of plein air painting.
Armature =>
Turbulent Winds III 12x16 12x16
Turbulent Lands IV Borrego Springs
- Title
- Turbulent Lands IV Borrego Springs
- Size
- 10x16 Aspect Ratio PHI
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
En plein air in Borrego Springs, Ca.. The shadows were remarkable. Visit the Blog Post: here
for a detailed analysis of this painting. The dramatic shape of the main shadow on the upper right dictated that it be the main focal point.
Link to the Painting with Armature.
Turbulent Lands IV Borrego Springs 10x16 Aspect Ratio PHI
Taos Gorge Nightfall 20x16
- Title
- Taos Gorge Nightfall 20x16
- Size
- 20x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $1000
ITaos Gorge is one of New Mexico's iconic landmarks. The inspiration for this series of paintings came from a plein air piece painted during a storm. The lighting was unusual, leading to many possibilities for capturing this scene.
Inquiries: call the Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery - (505) 660-6382: www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Taos Gorge Nightfall 20x16 20x16
Turbulent Lands VII 10x16
- Title
- Turbulent Lands VII 10x16
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
On the drive along Monastery Road in the late afternoon, the shining cliffs suddenly appear - always a welcome sight, magical in their splendor.
Armature =>
Turbulent Lands VII 10x16 10x16
Turbulent Lands VI 11x14
- Title
- Turbulent Lands VI 11x14
- Size
- 11x14
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
Natural geological formations result in patterns that attract the viewer. These striation patterns appear throughout the cliffs around Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the Chama River in northern New Mexico, forming a natural landmark on a par with the most spectacular of the world.
Armature =>
Inquiries: call the Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery - (505) 660-6382: www.karenwrayfineart.com.
.
Turbulent Lands VI 11x14 11x14
Yellow Cliffs 15x24
- Title
- Yellow Cliffs 15x24
- Size
- 15x24
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $1000
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382: www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Full disclosure: I utilized chat gpt to help with the wording here. "Upon traversing Monastery Road, the commanding presence of the yellow cliffs on the right beckons the artist's gaze, evoking an irresistible urge to capture their essence upon canvas. Utilizing near golden mean dimensions for the painting, I orchestrated a composition designed to guide the viewer's eye along a journey across the canvas, following the subtle curvature of the implied golden spiral. Each brushstroke was meticulously placed to accentuate points of interest, with a deliberate emphasis on the point of sharpest contrast near the right-most dominant cliff, ensuring a captivating visual experience that resonates with the discerning collector".
Link to Painting Armature =>
Yellow Cliffs 15x24 15x24
Santa Fe River Turbulence (PAAC Award-2016 )
- 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!
Santa Fe River Turbulence (PAAC Award-2016 ) 10x16
Ashley Pond II 9x12
- Title
- Ashley Pond II 9x12
- Size
- 9x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $500
First pleln air of Ashley Pond during the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico Paint Out in Los Alamos. I enjoyed painting at the pond during the very hot days.
Inquiries: call the Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery - (505) 660-6382: www.karenwrayfineart.com.
Ashley Pond II 9x12 9x12
Ashley Pond Los Alamos 12x16
- Title
- Ashley Pond Los Alamos 12x16
- Size
- 12x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $700
Available at the Karen Wray Gallery - (505) 660-6382 : www.karenwrayfineart.com.
"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).
Link to an armature of the painting =>
Ashley Pond Los Alamos 12x16 12x16
As the Chama Churns (sold 2017)
- Title
- As the Chama Churns (sold 2017)
- 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
As the Chama Churns (sold 2017) 16x20
Chama RIver Overlook (PAPNM 2019 Sold 2020)
- Title
- Chama RIver Overlook (PAPNM 2019 Sold 2020)
- 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 .
Chama RIver Overlook (PAPNM 2019 Sold 2020) 12x9 (17x14 framed)
Golden Sunset
- Title
- Golden Sunset
- Size
- 9x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $500
The ocean keeps calling me, having lived by the ocean for most of my youth: I miss the Puget Sound and Hawaiian waters as well as the San Diego waters where my son and family now live.
Golden Sunset 9x12
Kawela Bay Mini gift
- Title
- Kawela Bay Mini gift
- Size
- 5x7
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- gift
Holiiday gift for a friend.
Kawela Bay Mini gift 5x7
Luminous Waters II 16x20
- Title
- Luminous Waters II 16x20
- Size
- 16x20
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.
I think that my love of the woods comes through in this painting. This was up at the Big Tesuque Campground near the Santa Fe Ski slope. No, I no longer camp out, but it was tempting. And painting this brought back may childhood memories.
Luminous Waters II 16x20 16x20
Kawela Beach Magic (gift)"
- 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.
Kawela Beach Magic (gift)" 8x10
Kawela Winds
- Title
- Kawela Winds
- Size
- 7x5
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- NFS
North Shore, Oahu. Collection: artist.
Kawela Winds 7x5
Kawela Palms Rise to the Morn (GIFT)
- 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.
Kawela Palms Rise to the Morn (GIFT) 10x8
Kawela's Sound of Music (PAPNM 2017 NFS)
- Title
- Kawela's Sound of Music (PAPNM 2017 NFS)
- 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.
Kawela's Sound of Music (PAPNM 2017 NFS) 8x10
North Shore Waves
- Title
- North Shore Waves
- Size
- 8x10
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $300
Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com
North Shore Waves 8x10
North Shore Composition
- 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.
North Shore Composition 7x5
North Shore Wildness (gift)
- 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.
North Shore Wildness (gift) 5x7
Olana Memory
- 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.
Olana Memory 9x12
Turbulent Waters I 12x16
- Title
- Turbulent Waters I 12x16
- Size
- 12x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.
Fond memories of many walks along rivers and creeks seeing the turbulence in the waters and listening to the sounds. I like the 's-shape', zig-zag of the river/waterfall to help draw the viewer's eye around the painting. The ripples of the water also keep the viewer's eye moving. The brightness of the waterfall makes it a natural focal point (area).
Armature =>
Turbulent Waters I 12x16 12x16
Turbulent Waters II 12x19
- Title
- Turbulent Waters II 12x19
- Size
- 12x19
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.
Larger studio work based on an award-winning "en plein air" painting, titled Santa Fe River Turbulence. Painted after the storms when the water was flowing. The river runs along Alameda Drive near Canyon Road. An understanding of turbulence is one of the great unsolved problems in Physics/Mathematics.
Armature =>
Turbulent Waters II 12x19 12x19
Wild River Santa Fe 10x16
- Title
- Wild River Santa Fe 10x16
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $600
I"En plein air" at the Santa Fe River, one of my favorite painting venues. Painted during the Spring run-oof when the water is most turbulent. The canvas proportions are near golden mean proportions, with the top of the waterfall intentionally near the polar point of the golden spiral, a spiral found throughout nature.
Wild River Santa Fe 10x16 10x16
Waimea Waterfall III 16x10
- Title
- Waimea Waterfall III 16x10
- Size
- 16x10
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- Inquiries: karen.halbert@gmail.com.
Preparing for my North SHore Oahu trip.
Waimea Waterfall III 16x10 16x10
Waimea Waterfall II 12x16
- Title
- Waimea Waterfall II 12x16
- Size
- 12x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $700
Preparing for my North Shore Oahu trip.
Waimea Waterfall II 12x16 12x16
Waimea Waterfall I 18x24
- Title
- Waimea Waterfall I 18x24
- Size
- 18x24
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $1500
Preparing for a trip to the North Shore of Oahu.
Waimea Waterfall I 18x24 18x24
Windandsea Beach I
- Title
- Windandsea Beach I
- Size
- 6x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $400
"En plein air" on the beautiful surfing beach near La Jolla, Ca.
Windandsea Beach I 6x12
Big Tesuque Aspens (2015 LCCF
- 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.
Big Tesuque Aspens (2015 LCCF 12x9
Cooper Lake, Woodstock (gift)
- 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.
Cooper Lake, Woodstock (gift) 9x12
Chimney Rocks (sold 2016)
- Title
- Chimney Rocks (sold 2016)
- Size
- 11x14
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $500
Sold May 2016 by the Marigold Arts Gallery, www.marigoldarts.com
Chimney Rocks (sold 2016) 11x14
Chama Cliffs Evening (sold 2015)
- Title
- Chama Cliffs Evening (sold 2015)
- 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.
Chama Cliffs Evening (sold 2015) 11x14
Diablo Canyon (sold PAPNM 2014)
- Title
- Diablo Canyon (sold PAPNM 2014)
- 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
Diablo Canyon (sold PAPNM 2014) 11x14
Golden Sangres Aspens Small (LCCF 2018)
- 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...
Golden Sangres Aspens Small (LCCF 2018) 8x10
Ghost Ranch Impression (sold 2014)
- Title
- Ghost Ranch Impression (sold 2014)
- Size
- 8x6
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $200
Profits donated to the Santa Fe Artists Medical Fund. Sold at the Purple Sage
Ghost Ranch Impression (sold 2014) 8x6
Ghost Ranch Cliff (sold 2015)
- Title
- Ghost Ranch Cliff (sold 2015)
- 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
Ghost Ranch Cliff (sold 2015) 10x8
Golden Cottonwoods (sold 2014)
- Title
- Golden Cottonwoods (sold 2014)
- 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.
Golden Cottonwoods (sold 2014) 12x16
Jemez Vista 1 (LCCF 2012-13)
- Title
- Jemez Vista 1 (LCCF 2012-13)
- Size
- 10x20
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- gift
Donated at the LCCF Auction in 2013 or 2014
Jemez Vista 1 (LCCF 2012-13) 10x20
Kalaupapa Storm
- 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.
Kalaupapa Storm 12x16
Kalawao at Dawn
- 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.
Kalawao at Dawn 16x20
Las Campanas - End of Day (2006 LCCF)
- 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.
Las Campanas - End of Day (2006 LCCF) 14x11
New Mexico Sunset (sold 2012)
- Title
- New Mexico Sunset (sold 2012)
- 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.
New Mexico Sunset (sold 2012) 9x12
New Mexico Red Arroyo"(sold 2015)
- Title
- New Mexico Red Arroyo"(sold 2015)
- 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
New Mexico Red Arroyo"(sold 2015) 12x24
Pedernal (LCCF 2015)
- 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.
Pedernal (LCCF 2015) 8x10
Shady Lakes (sold 2013)
- Title
- Shady Lakes (sold 2013)
- 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.
Shady Lakes (sold 2013) 9x12
Taos Gorge Aglow (sold 2016)
- Title
- Taos Gorge Aglow (sold 2016)
- Size
- 24x18
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $900
Sold July 26, 2016 at the Marigold Arts Gallery on Canyon Road, http://www.marigoldarts.com.
Taos Gorge Aglow (sold 2016) 24x18
Dynamic Symmetry with Two PHI DS 4 to 5
- 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
Dynamic Symmetry with Two PHI DS 4 to 5
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature
- Title
- Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Reciprocals: (Turquoise ) lines from corners to the top or bottom edge, perpendicular to the main diagonals (at right angles or 90 degrees)
Verticals and Horizontals: (Gray) through the intersections of the main diagonals with their reciprocals
Intersections of the diagonals with their reciprocals: potential focal points (sometimes called 'eyes') since the right angle ensures maximum thrust or movement
This is the construction for a generic rectangle; each aspect ratio gives rise to different points of intersection on the top edge.
See Full Armature Page:
Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature
Dynamic Symmetry Armature 5:4 (1.25)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature 5:4 (1.25) Aspect Ratio 5:4; eg, 8x10, 16x20 popular panel sizes
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root PHI (1.272..)
- Title
- Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root PHI (1.272..)
- Size
- Material
- Watercolor
- Price
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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root PHI (1.272..)
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction Step 1
- 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).
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction Step 1
Dynamic Symmetry Armature 4:3 (1.333..)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature 4:3 (1.333..) Aspect Ratio 4:3; eg, 6x8, 9x12, 12x16, 18x24
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 2 (1.414..)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 2 (1.414..) Root 2 with Aspect ratio 1.414...
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction Step 2: Reciprocals
- 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.
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction Step 2: Reciprocals
PHI Dynamic Symmetry Armature with a Golden Spiral Approximation (1.618..)
- 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.).
PHI Dynamic Symmetry Armature with a Golden Spiral Approximation (1.618..) PHI Aspect Ratio
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Golden Mean PHI (1.618...)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Golden Mean PHI (1.618...)
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Final Step
- 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).
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature Final Step
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 3 (1.732..)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 3 (1.732..) Root 3 Aspect Ratio 1.732..
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 4 (2.0)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 4 (2.0) 1x2 Aspect Ration Root 2
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 5 (2.236..)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 5 (2.236..) Root 5 Aspect Ratio 2.236...eg; 10x22
Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Similar Rectangles
- 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,..
Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Similar Rectangles
Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Rebated Squares
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature with Rebated Squares
Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature (with right Rebated Square)
- 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.
Reciprocals: (Turquoise ) lines from corners through main diagonals, perpendicular to the diagonals (at right angles or 90 degrees)
Verticals and Horizontals: (Gray) through the intersections of the main diagonals with their reciprocals
Intersections of the diagonals with their reciprocals: potential focal points (sometimes called 'eyes') since the right angle ensures maximum thrust or movement
Basic Dynamic Symmetry Armature
Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature (with right Rebated Square)
Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature
- Title
- Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Combined Rebated Squares and Similar (baby) rectangles.
Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature
Expsanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature BW
- Title
- Expsanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature BW
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Expanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature without the colors and dashed lines.
Expsanded Dynamic Symmetry Armature BW
Whirling Squares Upper Right
- 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.
Whirling Squares Upper Right PHI Aspect Ratio
GIF. Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction
- 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.
GIF. Dynamic Symmetry Armature Construction
Fibonacci Whirling Squares
- 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.
Fibonacci Whirling Squares 21x34 Aspect Ratio 1.619...
Basic 14-line Harmonic Armature
- 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.
Basic 14-line Harmonic Armature
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 5 with Overlapping PHI Rectangles (2.236...)
- 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.
Dynamic Symmetry Armature Root 5 with Overlapping PHI Rectangles (2.236...) Root 5 Aspect Ratio (2.236..)
Abiquiu Cottonwood Pencil Study 5x8
- Title
- Abiquiu Cottonwood Pencil Study 5x8
- 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.
Abiquiu Cottonwood Pencil Study 5x8 5x8
Georgia's Spires 9x12
- Title
- Georgia's Spires 9x12
- Size
- 9x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $500
Painted behind Georgia's house at Ghost Ranch.
Georgia's Spires 9x12 9x12
Diablo Canyon 8x16
- Title
- Diablo Canyon 8x16
- 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 =>
Diablo Canyon 8x16 8x16
Clliff Study 9x12
- Title
- Clliff Study 9x12
- Size
- 9x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- NFS (yet)
Continuing the series with more abstract landscapes.. Highlights to be added.
Clliff Study 9x12 9x12
Los Alamos Cliff Tops Study
- 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.
Los Alamos Cliff Tops Study 9x12
Abstract #1 in Raw Umber and Van Dyke Brown (gift)
- 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.
Abstract #1 in Raw Umber and Van Dyke Brown (gift) 9x12
Balboa Park Museum of Us (gift)
- 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.
Balboa Park Museum of Us (gift) 11x15
Balboa Park Tower II Detail
- Title
- Balboa Park Tower II Detail
- Size
- 12x9
- Material
- Watercolor
- Price
- NFS
Selected the detail that might be a better painting if cut.
Balboa Park Tower II Detail 12x9
Balboa Park Tower II
- Title
- Balboa Park Tower II
- Size
- 15x22 (half-sheet)
- Material
- Watercolor
- Price
- NFS
Another attempt at the iconic scene. Removed figures from this one.
Balboa Park Tower II 15x22 (half-sheet)
Moonlight in Hawaii-after Roy Tabora (gift)
- Title
- Moonlight in Hawaii-after Roy Tabora (gift)
- Size
- 16x12
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- gift
Following along with Roy Tabora.
Moonlight in Hawaii-after Roy Tabora (gift) 16x12
Ghost Ranch Hilla
- Title
- Ghost Ranch Hilla
- Size
- 12x24
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Ghost Ranch Hilla 12x24
Ghost Ranch WC
- 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.
Ghost Ranch WC 8x18
Chama Cliff Detail
- 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.
Chama Cliff Detail 8x6
Luminous Lands III 9x12
- Title
- Luminous Lands III 9x12
- 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 =>
Luminous Lands III 9x12 9x12
Georgia's Cliffs I 12x16
- Title
- Georgia's Cliffs I 12x16
- Size
- 12x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- $700
Painted under the cliffs near Georgia's home at Ghost Ranch.
Georgia's Cliffs I 12x16 12x16
"Ghost Ranch Cliff after Okeeffe bw"
- Title
- "Ghost Ranch Cliff after Okeeffe bw"
- Size
- 10x8
- Material
- Oil
- Price
- nfs
Black/white (tonal) version.
"Ghost Ranch Cliff after Okeeffe bw" 10x8
"Ghost Ranch Cliff after Okeeffe"
- 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'..
"Ghost Ranch Cliff after Okeeffe" 10x8
"Dry Waterfall after OKeeffe"
- Title
- "Dry Waterfall after OKeeffe"
- 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.
"Dry Waterfall after OKeeffe" 8x6
Luminous Lands VII
- 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.
Luminous Lands VII 8x13 Aspect Ratio PHI
Diablo Canyon
- 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).
Diablo Canyon 8x16 Aspect Ratio 2:1
Karen at Awards Ceremony with Abiquiu Cliffs Abstraction Painting
- 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."
Karen at Awards Ceremony with Abiquiu Cliffs Abstraction Painting
2024 Winter Holiday Show and Opening at the Karen Wray Gallery
- Title
- 2024 Winter Holiday Show and Opening at the Karen Wray Gallery
- Size
- Material
- Watercolor
- Price
2024 Winter Holiday Show and Opening at the Karen Wray Gallery
Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery November 2024
- 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
Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery November 2024
Sept 2024 Plein Air Magazine Article with Turbulent Lands' Image
- 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).
Sept 2024 Plein Air Magazine Article with Turbulent Lands' Image
2024 Halbert Plein Air Magazine
- Title
- 2024 Halbert Plein Air Magazine
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
2024 Halbert Plein Air Magazine
Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery
- Title
- Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Enjoying the Spring Group Show at the Karen Wray Gallery (2024).
Karen at the Karen Wray Gallery
May 12. Santa Fe River Harmony 80 Percent
- 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.
May 12. Santa Fe River Harmony 80 Percent 16x10
Painting at the Edge
- Title
- Painting at the Edge
- Size
- 10x16
- Material
- Oil
- Price
What csn be better than painting outdoors overlooking nature's beauty?
Painting at the Edge 10x16
Studio as of Sept 2023
- 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).
Studio as of Sept 2023
Studio at Night Time
- Title
- Studio at Night Time
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Part of the studio after a busy studio tour Labor Day weekend 2023.
Studio at Night Time
Studio Tour
- Title
- Studio Tour
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour
Studio as of Aug 2023
- 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.
Studio as of Aug 2023 600 square feet
Radical Impressionist: A Mathematician Paints. Fuller Lodge Art Center Exhibit
- 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.
Radical Impressionist: A Mathematician Paints. Fuller Lodge Art Center Exhibit
Karen at her Studio Easel
- Title
- Karen at her Studio Easel
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Karen at her Studio Easel
Studio
- Title
- Studio
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio
Santa Fe Studio Wall 1
- Title
- Santa Fe Studio Wall 1
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Santa Fe Studio Wall 1
Karen's Santa Fe Studio
- 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.
Karen's Santa Fe Studio
Santa Fe Studio Wall 2
- Title
- Santa Fe Studio Wall 2
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Santa Fe Studio Wall 2
Santa Fe Studio Wall 3
- Title
- Santa Fe Studio Wall 3
- Size
- Material
- Watercolor
- Price
Santa Fe Studio Wall 3
Santa Fe Studio Wall 4
- Title
- Santa Fe Studio Wall 4
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio nearing readiness to be shown to the public.
Santa Fe Studio Wall 4
Halbert Flyer - 2022 LCCF
- 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
Halbert Flyer - 2022 LCCF
In my San Diego Studio (WInter 2022)
- 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.
In my San Diego Studio (WInter 2022)
Golden Cottonwoods, Galisteo Painting with Buyers
- 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
Golden Cottonwoods, Galisteo Painting with Buyers
Karen at the PAPNM 2021 Juried Show with Collector
- 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.
Karen at the PAPNM 2021 Juried Show with Collector
Karen in the Aspens
- 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.
Karen in the Aspens
The Conductor
- Title
- The Conductor
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Painting at the Diablo Canyon during the 2018 Santa Fe Plein Air FIesta
The Conductor
At the North Shore
- 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.
At the North Shore
Painting at the Santa Fe River
- 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.
Painting at the Santa Fe River
Montage of Karen's paintings with armatures.
- Title
- Montage of Karen's paintings with armatures.
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Montage of select paintings by Karen with armatures.
Montage of Karen's paintings with armatures.
Turbulent Waters V Reference
- 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.
Turbulent Waters V Reference 9x16
Turbulent Waters V Plein Air Setup
- Title
- Turbulent Waters V Plein Air Setup
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Painting by the Santa Fe River in the Spring.
Turbulent Waters V Plein Air Setup
Turbulent Waters V Intermediate
- 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 =>
Turbulent Waters V Intermediate 10x16
Turbulent Waters V Intermediate Stage with River
- Title
- Turbulent Waters V Intermediate Stage with River
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Snapshot mid-way through the painting
Turbulent Waters V Intermediate Stage with River
Studio Tour - Turbulent Winds
- Title
- Studio Tour - Turbulent Winds
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour - Turbulent Winds
Studio Tour - Taos Gorge
- Title
- Studio Tour - Taos Gorge
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour - Taos Gorge
Studio Tour - Luminous Lands III
- Title
- Studio Tour - Luminous Lands III
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour - Luminous Lands III
Studio Tour - Aspens and Turbulent Waters
- 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 =>
Studio Tour - Aspens and Turbulent Waters
Studio Tour - Chromatic Lands and Others
- Title
- Studio Tour - Chromatic Lands and Others
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour - Chromatic Lands and Others
Studio Tour - Turbulent Lands
- Title
- Studio Tour - Turbulent Lands
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour - Turbulent Lands
Studio Tour -Diablo Canyon
- Title
- Studio Tour -Diablo Canyon
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour -Diablo Canyon
Studio Tour 0 Luminous Waters
- Title
- Studio Tour 0 Luminous Waters
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour 0 Luminous Waters
Studio Tour - Land Abstraction V
- Title
- Studio Tour - Land Abstraction V
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour - Land Abstraction V
Studio Tour - Luminous Lands
- Title
- Studio Tour - Luminous Lands
- Size
- Material
- Oil
- Price
Studio Tour - Luminous Lands
Karen in Georgia's Back Yard
- 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.
Karen in Georgia's Back Yard
At the River Santa Fe
- 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!).
