Karen Walter

Waltham Mills Building 4, 3rd Floor
Karen Walter, #5 Grist Mill Series 2022, Waltham Open Studios, drippy ink drawing of rocks in tones of light grey to black
#5 Grist Mill Series 2022, sumi ink on Japanese paper, 40" x 50"
Karen Walter, Folded Drawing #2, 2023 Series, Waltham Open Studios, nature based image in blue, black, and brown ink and colored pencil on folded Japanese paper
Folded Drawing #2, 2023 Series, ink and colored pencil on Japanese paper, 21" x 16"
Karen Walter, Folded Drawing #1, 2023 Series, Waltham Open Studios, nature based image in blue, black, and brown ink and colored pencil on folded Japanese paper
Folded Drawing #1, 2023 Series, ink and colored pencil on Japanese paper, 15" x 29"
Karen Walter, #3 Grist Mill Series 2022, Waltham Open Studios, drippy ink drawing of rocks in tones of light grey to black
#3 Grist Mill Series 2022, sumi ink on Japanese paper, 40" x 50"
“

Ink + paper + water + rocks + sunshine = joy 

 

My plein air drawings capture the immediacy and unique energy that comes from working outside in that place, on that day, in that moment. The tools are sumi ink and Japanese paper and brushes; traditional Asian materials used in a non-traditional way. The challenge is working en plein air in New England creating large scale drawings through wind, heat, and humidity.   

 

Born from the failures, the Folded Drawing Series reflects the quieter, more contemplative atmosphere of the studio.  Layers of ink are laid down on top of the existing drawing. Folding and unfolding occurs until something visually interesting happens.  Colored pencils are used to bring out and balance the image.  

 

Both bodies of work are related to and reflect the original landscape of water, rocks, and sunshine, and all are part of the creative process which brings me such joy. 

”