ENCHANTED WILDERNESS

Watercolors by Karen Kramer

February 6 - March 16

I am inspired by observing the natural world, whether it is the intricacy of a leafy branch, the texture of a granite rock , or the subtle shades of a mountain sky. I see endless contradictions within the same landscape: light/dark; arid/wet; sharp/soft; living/dying. I feel compelled to examine this harmonious paradox in my work as I seek to capture the mystery, variation and whimsicality I find in every natural scene.

Meet the Artist: Saturday, February 17, or Saturday, March 2,   2 - 5 pm

The paintings in Enchanted Wilderness are my visual expression of how I feel when immersed in nature. The wilderness does in fact feel enchanted – with life and vitality but also peace and harmony. The landscapes on paper are inspired by photographs I have taken while backpacking in the Sierra Nevada mountains, in Yosemite or the Eastern Sierras near Mammoth.

The botanicals are also based on my own photographs which I then use to create original compositions. The works on wood are inspired by the grain patterns in the wood itself.

Born in New York City, I was raised in Berkeley, and work out of my studio in Oakland.