Featured Artist Gary Karasek

Gary Karasek’s paintings bridge architecture and nature, with glowing, geometric scenes that evoke tranquility and wonder. Visit his website to see more.

 

 

Creativity is woven into the foundation of my being. From a young age, two passions emerged and deeply influenced my life: the natural world of woodlands, meadows, and mountains, as well as a love of designing art and buildings.

 

 

My parents both enjoyed accomplished art careers and instilled their love of creativity into my sister and me. Our home and outings were enhanced with artistic endeavors such as sketch trips, art lessons, interior spaces filled with artwork, and most importantly, learning to see as an artist. My inventiveness and interest in structures drew me towards architecture by age twelve.

 

 

Graduating with a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois paved the way for a career focused on sustainable and innovative projects. I always endeavored to include a touch of fine art into the buildings I produced- the more imaginative, the better.

 

 

All the while, I explored opportunities to further my creativity through a variety of media like, painting, sculpture, writing, illustration, theatrical sets, cartooning, and gardening. As I enter my 70’s, painting beckons more, and I’m thrilled to focus on it in my retirement.

 

 

I still gain rejuvenation and inspiration from walks in nature and time in my garden. Wanting to share that tranquility with others, my Ethereal Environments series offers a brief respite from our busy world. While developing it, a unique style emerged that I’ve named, Geometrix. Using geometric shapes, vibrant color, and bright light, I delight in fashioning a place where realism and abstraction merge with a touch of magic.

 

 

The soft-edged cubist abstractions incorporated in much of the work provide a contrast to the natural focal points. The geometric shapes reflect the mathematics of my architectural profession. I aspire to communicate the spiritual and meditative state I feel while painting these serene settings. Drawing myself and the observer into natural sceneries that entice the imagination to wander into the idyllic destination, emotionally inspires and transforms the heart.

 

 

I generally utilize a 7-color, oil-based paint palette of Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Orange, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Violet, and Titanium White. I begin compositionally establishing values by toning the surface of a canvas or coated board.

 

 

After establishing where hot spots and deep darks will resonate, I build layers of color and add my abstract Geometrix touches amidst realistic trees and mountains to make the natural setting glow.

 

 

As my parents taught me, I am compelled to see and inspire others to open their eyes to beauty. The Ethereal Environment series is designed for home and office. They are ideal to bring tranquility to lobbies, conference rooms, guest rooms, corridors, and living rooms over the fireplace.

 

 

My art has the potential to enhance the surroundings at spas, salons, churches and religious buildings, hospitals, schools, and other places seeking peaceful wonder to fill their lives.

 

 

 

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