Original Paintings: Acrylic Flow Techniques Depict the Universe

As an artist residing in a rural, western state, I have striven for years to find a unique niche that would be a contemporary approach to expressing the expansive spirit of the west in visual form. My work includes colorful florals and landscapes in a bright, textured impressionistic style and abstract acrylics with flowing colors and complex layering.

The connection to nature, felt so keenly in the unspoiled Montana landscape under a vast blue sky, actually extends beyond what we see in the physical world. There are hidden realities that come to light through telescopes, microscopes and through the added element of imagination that takes the viewer to a place where nature is infinitely varied and is always bursting with vitality.

Montana's incredibly clear, dark night skies have made this a favorite spot for both amateur and professional astronomers. The expansiveness of the universe revealed by the Hubble Telescope extends my own artistic vision to include natural phenomenon that would normally remain unseen by the unaided human eye.

These original paintings are created through a process of multiple layers of thin acrylic washes. Some paintings include gold paint or glitter to simulate the effect of twinkling stars. Through this series of paintings, created beginning in 2008, I am adding my artistic interpretation to the amazing vision of the universe provided by the Hubble telescope.

See all celestial artwork here.

Artist Statement from Kathleen Karlsen

"Art is a universal language that brings comfort, healing, inspiration and joy to others. The central focus in my work is conveying vibrancy and energy. I seek to create art that is connected to the natural world around us while transcending that world. I believe that the power of art is more than the depiction of objective, physical reality. The real power of art is the feelings embodied in a particular visual image.

I see art and beauty as having a major impact on human life. I believe that art has tremendous practical as well as aesthetic value. Research shows that art can help heal hospital patients, increase learning rates in classrooms and improve productivity in work places. For me, art enriches the entire process of living."

Artwork Publications and Awards
Book Cover Art, Fortunate Wisdoms by Theresa McNicholas
2009 Magazine Cover Art Work, Natural Life News and Directory, May-June Issue, 2007
Book Cover Art, Sunday Roses, Sirius Publishing 2007
Cover Art Work, Natural Life News and Directory, May-June Issue
2004 Featured Artist, Early Learning DVD Program, Soul Learning Company, 2004
4th Place Winner, Judge Larry Zabel, MIA 3rd Annual Art Show 2004