Karen Leoni
Karen often paints en plein air in an effort to capture the essence of the landscape. Usually, these plein air sessions are accomplished close to home in Northern California but she also enjoys traveling and recently spent time painting in Italy. Exploring new places, whether at n home or abroad, is a constant source of inspiration for her.
She says: “I feel very fortunate to live in California surrounded by the magnificent landscape with its endless variety. Painting allows me to closely examine nature and I now notice everyday things that otherwise would have passed me by. Time slows down when you paint or sketch. It’s magical.”
She works in both the oil and pastel mediums and believes that one enhances the other. Currently, she is primarily focusing on the figure and animals in the landscape and prepares by painting small studies outdoors in the plein air style. She believes that these studies improve the larger, finished pieces by enabling her to capture and recreate more accurate color and atmosphere. It also develops her “artist memory” when racing the clock and observing the rapid changes in light that only occur when painting plein air.
Her works are in galleries in California and New York as well as corporate and private collections across the U.S. and Italy. In addition, she has received numerous awards in various juried events, plein air competitions, and exhibits. In addition to being a full-time artist, Karen is an educator and works part-time at the Academy of Art University teaching color theory, drawing, and still life painting.
Recent Exhibits Include:
International San Diego Museum of Art ~ San Diego, CA ~ March 2022
Inspiration from The Greats ~ Orinda, CA ~ December 2021
Statewide Landscape Exhibit ~ Santa Cruz, CA ~ December 2021
Favell Museum Art Show ~ Klamath Falls, Oregon ~ September 2021
Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition ~ August 2020
Favell Museum Art Show ~ Klamath Falls, Oregon ~ September 2020
American Society of Marine Artists 26th Annual Maritime Art Exhibit ~ Sep 2019
Academy of Art Alumni Exhibition ~ San Francisco, CA ~ Nov 2019
American Society of Marine Artists Western Regional Exhibition ~ Dec 2019
Favell Museum Art Show ~ Klamath Falls, Oregon ~ September 2019
Favell Museum Art Show ~ Klamath Falls, Oregon ~ September 2018
Academy of Art Alumni Exhibition ~ San Francisco, CA ~ Nov 2018
Academy of Art Alumni Exhibition ~ San Francisco, CA ~ Nov 2017
