Karen Kawarsky (b.1971) is a Canadian painter with a background in interior design and photography. She has chosen to live a life of creativity through art and design. Whether she is in her studio in Toronto painting abstracts, or designing interiors for residential homes, Karen is grateful to be able to express herself as an evolving artist. She is inspired by Regency and Haussman architecture, as well as naturally aged elements seen in the wood of barns and farmlands.
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Karen Kawarsky’s abstract art has a strong focus on layered textures that are complex yet move with a gentle and classical flow. The thick application of oil paints unconventionally mixed with acrylic and plasters are finished with a thin coat of resin and have been a long-time approach to her wood panel base. Subtle and rich colored abstract landscapes and non-representational studies that are bold and energetic are concurrent themes throughout her work. Karen’s compositions are inspired by the development of character seen in man-made materials and natural elements that age through time. Her painting process and textural nuances form a natural relationship that intertwine imaginative and abstract interpretations.
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Karen’s work has been honored in solo and group exhibitions, American and Canadian Magazines, displayed in galleries, and appears in many private collections internationally such as Los Angeles, Bermuda, Vancouver, Hong Kong, London, and Israel.
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ARTIST C.V.
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Art Fairs
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2024 Artwalk In The Square, Toronto, Canada
2023 Rosedale Art Fair Toronto, Canada
2023 Artwalk In The Square, Toronto, Canada
2015 The Artist Project Toronto, Canada
2014 The Artist Project Toronto, Canada
2013 The Artist Project Toronto, Canada
2012 The Artist Project Toronto, Canada
2010 The Distillery Art Show Toronto, Canada
2009 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair Toronto, Canada
Solo Exhibitions
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2012 It Looks The Same, Alison Milne Gallery Toronto, Canada
2010 A Broader Meaning, The Art Gallery of Hamilton Hamilton, Canada
2010 Distinction, The Spoke Club Toronto, Canada
2010 Into the Red, Art Square Gallery Toronto, Canada
2009 Entropy, The Great Hall Toronto, Canada
2008 Forward, The Great Hall Gallery Toronto, Canada
2006 Rising, Czehoski Gallery Toronto, Canada
2005 New Beginnings, O'my Gallery Toronto, Canada
Group Exhibitions
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2011 Alison Milne Gallery Toronto, Canada
2010 Whistler Village Arts Gallery Winter Olympic Show Whistler, British Columbia
2009 The Art Gallery of Hamilton Hamilton, Canada
2008 Whistler Village Arts Gallery Whistler, British Columbia
2008 Engine Gallery Toronto, Canada
2007 Engine Gallery Toronto, Canada
2006 Grace Gallery Toronto, Canada
2005 Fashion Cares, Toronto, Canada
2004 Virgin Thread Market Bemused Inc. Toronto, Canada
2003 Virgin Thread Market Bemused Inc. Toronto, Canada
Editorials:
2024 House and Home Magazine, Artwork featured in Toronto residential home
2023 HGTV Magazine - " Here's The Story", - Artwork featured in California residential home
2022 National Post - "From Dumpy to Dashing", - Artwork featured in Toronto residential home
2019 Luxe Magazine - "The Handmade Tale", Artwork featured in California residential home
2015 House and Home Magazine, Artwork featured in Toronto residential home
2013 Steven and Chris - "How to Renovate your home with Art", Artwork
featured
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Education:
1990-1993 York University Toronto, Canada - Sociology Major
2001 OCAD Toronto, Canada - Life Drawing, Winter Program
2001 Sheridan College Toronto, Canada -Photography, Summer Program