Karen Hollingsworth [ Born 1955 – Present ]
I love to create paintings that evoke a sense of the familiar. To blend the common objects of everyday life, placed within the interior of a room, with a glimpse of the ocean through an open window. My “windowscapes”, are intended to provide the viewer with a sense of solitude, and well being. A comfortable world bathed in sunlight, and cool breezes from the sea. For me, a painting is successful, if I wish I were there.
It feels like it took a long time, down a winding road, to become a painter. Along the road there were many detours. Becoming a nurse in my early twenties took me down a different path for many years. But there were experience’s I had as a nurse that have helped me become a better painter, as well as a better person.
When I finally decided to pursue art as a career, my first ambition was to paint portraits. Although I feel that I attained success in this area, I realize that I sometimes enjoyed painting the backgrounds,
as much as the people. This led me to paint what I’m doing now, RoomScapes and WindowScapes.
I’m trying to recreate the experience found when a room is bathed in strong sunlight, transforming simple human things, chairs, beds, paper bags, into objects of beauty.
I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful friends and fellow artists who have inspired and supported me. Especially my favorite artist and loving husband, Neil. My life as an artist is wonderful, and very fulfilling. I look to the future, and of course my next painting.
Education
DeKalb College – Associate Degree of Science
The Atlanta College of Art – Drawing and Painting
Nancy Honea – Portraiture Study
Awards
2002 Spring, Second Place, Atlanta Portrait Society, juried competition
2001 Fall, Honorable Mention, Atlanta Portrait Society, juried competition
Press
2001 Folio – Spring, Atlanta Portrait Society, Exhibition Review, Atlanta GA
2001 Folio – Fall, Atlanta Portrait Society, Exhibition Review, Atlanta GA
2003 November, Home Improvement – Review of Atlanta Artists
2004 Detroit Free Press – Realism Outdoes Mere Photographs, Detroit MI
2004 Atlanta Intown – Galleries Go Wild, Atlanta Ga
2006 Atlanta Magazine – Artists at Work: Double Vision, Atlanta GA
2006 Art Galleries and Artists of the South – Featured Artist, Atlanta GA
2007 Art Galleries and Artists of the South – Featured Artist, Atlanta GA
2007 Points North Magazine – Featured Artist, Atlanta GA
2007 American Art Collector September 2007 – Married But Separate Visions, Featured Artists
