Newtown Square Library Welcomes Artist Karen Powell!

There’s a horse farm across from Karen Powell’s home, and a pond behind it. That suits Karen just fine, because she’s always loved the outdoors. Her landscapes capture everything from the feel of a summer afternoon in a peaceful field – to deer drinking at the snowy banks of a creek in winter. Flowers bloom, children play with tire swings, and families go fishing across her wonderful canvases. She inspires us all to slow down and look at the treasures we all share through her art.

And Karen Powell is no stranger to art shows:

My first exhibit was in a gallery in 8th grade! There were artists on both sides of my family – so I came by it righteously. I started classes in school and progressed to private teachers like Kristin Olsen. She taught me to know when a piece was finished, because when I could not stop working on a painting, she would say “Step back, and look. You’re done!”

Karen’s firm “Powell Studios” specializes in interior design and murals. Over the last 19 years, she employed entire teams of artists who would work on murals in homes, schools, and businesses. Lately though, she has scaled back, and enjoys working for others in tile and design – all the while simultaneously painting multiple canvases. She elaborated on her interest in oil as a medium:

I love to work in oils! They take a bit longer to dry, but feel substantial and deep. When you slab on that thickness of color, it’s almost juicy. I start by visualizing the entire painting, and then start draw my outlines with paintbrushes.

I often place live subjects, or a piece of architecture in my canvases – and have taken classes in anatomy to increase my understanding of the human form. Neilsen Carlin is a great professor, and taking 3 semesters with him in Kennett Square really gave me some discipline.

Between her job, her family, and participating in 7 shows a year, Karen knows how to hit a deadline. To focus, she plays Christian music while working – it both inspires and settles her in to the spirit of the painting. She communicates her impressions of the subject – the essence of the time, place, and feelings of the participants. This is truly evident in a painting called “Buddies” - an amazing piece she is donating to “Art for a Cause” – which supports charities that feed hungry schoolchildren, and environmental causes.

“Buddies” is a gorgeous portrait of a regal horse standing in a stable, with a beautiful golden lab at his feet. It is a wonderful depiction of the camaraderie between species. It makes us want to visit the farm where the “buddies” live, and celebrate the close bonds we have with our own treasured friends – on two legs or four. “Buddies,” like all good art, makes you think, feel, and dream. And Karen Powell delivers.

The Friends of Newtown Square Public Library are delighted to share Karen Powell’s beautiful oil paintings with the public throughout May and June. Check out some books as well while you are here, as well as the library’s new Museum Passes! Karen Powell can be reached on her Facebook business page at facebook.com/kpowellstudios or via powellrkcd@yahoo.com, or at 610.901.3685.

The Newtown Square Public Library is located at 201 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, PA. Call (610) 353-1022, see our Facebook page, or visit http://www.newtownlibrary.org

Terri Morrison’s 10th book will be published this August by the American Bar Association. Her other books include the Amazon #1 seller: Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands®: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than Sixty Countries Over 450,000 copies sold. www.TerriMorrison.com Twitter @KissBowAuthor