About

 

I began painting in 2012, with a home décor project, and then began experimenting with the leftover paints. I am self- and YouTube-taught and have generally leaned toward photo realistic presentations.

I focused the past few years on a “poured” or “batik” technique as practiced by Linda Baker (demo). “Batik” is challenging in that it requires good judgment of and comparison of values, careful drawing, patience waiting for drying of both masking agents (large areas) and very wet washes of liquid paint (a piece that could likely be completed in a few hours doing traditional watercolor technique will probably take a minimum of 4 or 5 days), courage and determination facing the unpredictability and the “ugly stages”... The outcome is really an unknown until the final reveal when the layers of masking agent are peeled away

In 2020-21 I had the opportunity to illustrate three children's books about a rescued golden retriever named Gus; book 1 of the series has won 3 awards, including Royal Dragonfly and Moonbeam; and book 2 went to print by spring of 2021, and book 3 is currently in the design stage. The project(s) suited me very well, with a clear task, an established deadline, and a good bit of artistic freedom in developing ideas. The Gus projects helped me get into a much better habit of frequent painting, and I really want to continue the momentum!

Gus Finds His Way Home, (Book 1) by Karen Nicksich

Gus Finds A New Friend , (Book 2) by Karen Nicksich

Gus Finds His Purpose , (Book 3) by Karen Nicksich

Everyone Needs A Little Hope , (Book 4) by Karen Nicksich

Though there is not a particular theme I am passionate about painting, I clearly like cats, and painting them is a great substitute for owning a living version. They work for my current artistic inspiration, be it standard watercolor technique, “batik”, or collage; abstract, whimsy, or realism. The fun is endless!