Bean and Bear Lakes

Karen Owsley Nease

oil on cradled wood panel
14.5 x 21.5 x 1.75 in

This painting, Bean and Bear Lakes marks the beginning of a series that investigates using topographical information from actual places. The detailed study required to transfer contour data onto the painting surface, followed by building up that surface with layers of paint representing the index contour lines, intensifies my understanding and relationship with these landforms.

Formalist in its engagement with the medium of paint, the painting is not just a simulacrum of the landscape but a physical entity composed of textures and colors. The tactile quality of the surface invites viewers to interact with the painting as an object, emphasizing its materiality and the process of its creation. The painterly, complex surface contrasts with the simplified subject matter, which is defined by the choice of color and composition.

These locations along the North Shore of Lake Superior exemplify a specific and alluring beauty that compelled me to relocate to the region. By immersing myself in the topographical features of these landscapes, I discover the inherent qualities of the landforms as an experience. This series represents my ongoing exploration of how detailed observation and artistic interpretation, grounded in formalism, can transform our perception of natural environments.

This piece was part of the "FOUND HORIZONS: Imagined Topographies" exhibition at the JHP Art Gallery.

Interested in This Piece?

To inquire about this painting, please contact Karen Nease directly:

• Email: Nease.Karen@gmail.com