Kathy’s paintings reflect layered sources of inspiration, from her interest in abstract expressionism and her upbringing near the prairie, to her years in the Peace Corps in West Africa.

“As a colorist, I begin a painting without intent, except to choose gold, blue, Hooker’s green (or whatever invites me at the moment.)  I am influenced by Wordsworth, Dickinson, Joan Mitchell, deKooning, Rembrandt…friends, children, grandchildren, the leaf, the sunlight on our lips, the crimson light, mother and father, sisters, cliffs, birds…”

In 1998, Kathy Karlson was awarded an NEA grant for fiction writing, which allowed her to devote more time to both writing and painting. Her stories have been published in The Barcelona Review, Carve, Chiron Review, Madison Review, Worldview, Calyx, Stories With Grace, The MacGuffin, SNReview, 13th Warrior, and several other journals.

“As a painter and writer, I look at the world and respond to its wild beauty.  After college, the Peace Corps in Africa, and PhD, I found great
happiness in work and family. Now, one of my favorite things is to paint with my grandchildren and other children who come to my studio in Greenbelt or at home. 
These times are chaotic and difficult; we need art to remind ourselves what we have been given, love and sorrow. Both. 
—And thank you to Hera Hub for showing my work.”
Kathy Karlson

View Kathy’s art at Hera Hub DC, contact Julia Westfall to schedule an appointment at julia@herahub.com

http://www.kathykarlson.com

https://www.instagram.com/kathykarlsonstudio/