Online Art Gallery in Oil and Watercolor by Karen Seamon

The following is a list of some of the questions often asked of me either through email correspondence or at art shows. I hope they answer any questions you might have; if not, please feel free to contact me either by email or phone at 334 361-9965.

WHY ARE YOU AN ARTIST?

I am an artist because I love to create. When I am working in my studio the rest of the world doesn't exist for me. At that moment in time, I am only in touch with my ideas about what I want to create, not only for me but for you to enjoy as well.

WHY DO YOU MAKE ART?

I make art for several reasons. Of course, I want the viewer to appreciate what I've done and give me compliments about my work. That goes further with me than most anything. I get so much pleasure myself when a piece turns out the way I wanted it to, and am especially excited when it surpasses my expectations. Then I can't wait to start on another piece. I want to be able to share my work with anyone who likes it, whether it be for the subject matter, style, color, or whatever.

HOW DO YOU USE ART TO EXPRESS YOURSELF?

A primary concern of mine is to be able to capture nature's beauty, creating both movement and flow, which expresses a natural rhythm and allows the viewer to feel the strength and energy of the subject. This is achieved by manipulating the movement of light and shadow on the subject, thereby portraying the essence of life where everything is meaningful.

WHAT DOES YOUR ART REPRESENT?

High contrast and sharp direction are the two elements that form the basis of my art.

WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION?

I am forever inspired by the sheer beauty of God's creations and a strong desire to portray that beauty onto canvas for others to view and receive their own inspiration and feelings, whatever they might be.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TECHNIQUES YOU USE?

My paintings are about color, light & shadow and texture, often using bold strokes of color and texture with a palette knife to convey the mood in my work. As for my jewelry designs, sparkling color and texture.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEDIUM?

I have worked in a variety of media, oils, watercolors, pastels, colored pencil and graphite. I would be hard pressed to say which is my favorite, for each has their own distinctive personality.
When I'm designing jewelry art pieces, I seem to almost always reach for those delicious seed beeds. I feel as if I am creating fabric out of glass!

IS YOUR ART A FULL TIME JOB?

Yes, it is. My love for art had to take a back seat for many years while I helped my husband, Shon, raise our seven children. I also worked in a law office for over twenty of those years. So needless to say I was thrilled when my husband said I could quit my "paying" job and do what I love on a full-time basis. That was June of '03 and I haven't looked back! I feel as though I'm the luckiest girl in the world because every morning I can get up and do exactly as I please - go into my studio and create. I love it with all of my heart. I just hope it shows in my finished works.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A PIECE?

I am asked this question more than any other and it is the hardest one to answer. I have no idea because a lot depends on the medium I'm using, the size of the piece, the detail work involved, so on and so on.

WHY DO PEOPLE OWN YOUR WORK?

I have been told by my collectors they love my style of realism with the combination of smooth and thick brushstrokes in an oil painting, the clean crispness of the watercolors, and the play of light and shadow on the subject.

CAN YOU DO A PAINTING OF MY WIFE, CHILD, GIRLFRIEND, ETC?

Yes, I can. I would need a good photo from you to work with and we could discuss all of the details either by email or phone as to medium, size, setting, etc. See my Commission page for more information.

DO YOU TAKE CUSTOM ORDERS ON YOUR JEWELRY DESIGNS?
Yes, I do. Just contact me and let's get designing!!