Karen Sako
After The Rain
Oil & Cold Wax , 30" × 30" × 2"
$2250
Artist Statement
My artwork represents a fusion of traditional art principles with exploratory techniques and
materials. I work both from direct observation and through abstraction, using soulful marks and vibrant colors to establish a profound connection to light and form, bringing my imagination to life.
When I create, I start by making plein air sketches on location with casein paint, capturing the essence of the scene in my sketchbook. Once back in the studio, I carefully select the most compelling compositions and begin to experiment with color. Using my color studies as a reference, I build up complex transparent layers using oil, cold wax, and other mediums to achieve depth in my work. This interplay of layers allows elements to push and pull the viewer, blurring the boundaries between representation and abstraction. Sometimes, I find myself obliterating layers through scratching or dissolving, revealing the remnants and history of previous stages in the painting’s evolution. To ensure the painting tells the intended story, I may apply a final layer as a glaze or with bold brushwork.
My inspiration comes from emotional responses to my own life situations, thrilling adventures, the beauty of nature, the energy of fellow creatives, powerful music, and symbolic allegory. These diverse influences converge to infuse my artwork with depth and meaning.