About Karen Waltermire’s Oil Paintings
Welcome to my world of vibrant oil paintings and powerful abstract expressionism paintings. My artistic journey is a fusion of various influences, including cubism, realism, and the emotive language of abstract expressionism. I strive to create works that resonate with both the viewer’s mind and heart, evoking deep connections through color and form.
Embracing Organic Themes and Social Justice
My art practice includes drawings and oil paintings based on elements from cubism, face shapes from realism, loosely constructed compositions, and strong colors from abstract expressionism. Some of my work is organic in content, especially when I create faces, still lifes, landscapes, and flowers.
Other subject matter is derived from my stance on social justice issues inspired by current events. Either way, my approach to each composition is based on imagining the inner life the depicted person or object may be experiencing.
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The Art of Portraiture Through Abstract Expressionism
As a dedicated portrait artist, my focus lies on creating abstract expressionism paintings on rectangular canvases or vertical paper. My process begins with a rough sketch, followed by layers of paint that gradually shape the entire composition. Using rich jewel tones and vibrant hues, I engage in a continuous balance of brushwork, lines, and organic shapes, where the background plays an equally vital role in enhancing the focus of each oil painting.
A Vision for Women’s Empowerment
My work is mainly comprised of women and my surroundings. I create portraits of women who are strong, resilient, and inspiring. For example, in Evolution, the woman is looking to the side, and one eye is covered. She is wearing armor that is falling away with every step because she feels confident enough to stand without it. This composition reflects the fact that when women embrace their power, we can do anything.
Art as a Voice for Inclusion and Acceptance
Similarly, my social justice-based oil paintings express this sentiment, plus the importance of independence and acceptance. In Room for All of Us, the Statue of Liberty is in a small boat made from an American flag with a group of people of all races, ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic classes, sexual orientations, and genders.
Lady Liberty has her arm with the torch around the back of everyone, keeping them safe. This painting reflects that there is room for everyone in our country and that the Statue of Liberty stands for open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of all people.
I strongly believe that people should forge their way in life and value intrinsic rewards as much, or more, than extrinsic rewards. Women are often overlooked for their innate talents and tendencies, which are critical to the sustainability of a sound society. I am concerned about our future. Therefore, through my artwork, I am exploring the status of women and how we can continue to grow.