Nease has an upcoming solo show at the Kruk Gallery, Department of Visual Art, University of Wisconsin Superior in 2017.
Karen Owsley Nease is a painter who draws inspiration from the natural world. After studying and painting in her native Kansas, Nease is now inspired by the beauty of the North Shore where she and her husband moved permanently in 2013. Karen’s work is showcased in collections throughout Minnesota, Missouri, and Kansas. Samples of her work can be found at karennease.com. Karen took the time to answer the News-Herald’s questions about her art, life, and upcoming class at the Grand Marais Art Colony. What is your background and education?
Our household was creative, my father was an engineer and my mother a serious crafter, lots of stuff was built and experimented with. I studied Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design when I went to college the first time. Those were interesting and paid well, but I felt the pull of fine arts after several years. I returned to the Kansas City Art Institute and earned a BFA in painting and printmaking and have been a studio artist since.
How did you find yourself on Lake Superior? In Grand Marais?
Originally from Kansas City, we always spent vacations in the Colorado Rockies. In 1994, my husband read a book by Sigurd Olson and said we needed to check out the North Woods and Lake Superior, so we planned a big camping/hiking trip to the North Shore and Canada. We spent time around Grand Marais, both in town and the surrounding area. We were totally unprepared for our reaction to the natural beauty we found.
Has the North Shore inspired your practice in any way?
It is an inspiration every day. We can see the big lake from our bedroom window and I make mental notes of the colors and waves each morning. If I lived 500 years, I wouldn’t get all of the paintings finished that I have started in my head.
What are the guiding principles of your practice?
To paint a lot. I really drill down on an idea and see if it can be sustained through a series of paintings. For me, it is really important to thoroughly explore what I can do with an idea or theme. Sometimes, an idea isn’t strong enough to support very many paintings, that is good to learn also.
What do you want to say with your art?
I am fascinated by the natural world. Especially individual parts such as a grove of trees, a lake or a large rock for instance. Through intense observation and thoughtful painting I want to draw the viewers into the same sense of wonder I feel.
You mention in your online bio that your artwork is “informed through… practices of habitat restoration, watershed protection and radical environmental philosophy.” Can you speak more to that?
I have always felt all of nature is alive and should be treated respectfully. Before moving to Minnesota I was working on an ongoing project on derelict farmland in Missouri to restore native habitat for quail and turkey by planting native prairie and erosion control plants. It feels good to patch things up a little bit.
Is there anything about the Grand Marais artistic community that struck you as especially interesting?
Yes, I got a very strong sense that the act of painting is really respected. Other art venues support visual arts but often times not serious painting as much. As one who loves painting, I really appreciate that and wanted to become a part of it.
How did you first get connected with the Art Colony?
We stopped in on a visit to Grand Marais in early 2015. I began talking to the staff about my background and showed them images of my work. I was encouraged to submit workshop ideas. I joined as a member at that time.
Can you tell us more about what you will be doing at the Art Colony?
I am teaching a workshop January 14 and 15 called Studio Landscapes. It will be a fast paced and exciting class as students paint from photos, sketches or their imagination. In a supportive environment I work with both the group and individual students to explore what they want their artwork to say to the viewer.
Any other plans for being in Grand Marais?
I intend to become more involved with the Art Colony and hope to exhibit my work in area venues. I love Grand Marais and will continue visiting often. We keep thinking how nice a little house in town or a condo would be some day, so who knows?
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