Karen Woods

Down Town

Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA --“I do think the big problem in a way…is how you deal with ordinary life—that is not extraordinary, that does not involve heroism,...

The bold flowers and repeating geometric patterns in this series of paintings are lushly modeled in oil paint, and are coupled with the use of inlaid wood. Surrounding the colorful and whimsical bouquets and garlands is a border of complimentary colors rife with kaleidoscopic floral images to further entice the eye. Influences of Persian miniatures and French Baroque are prevalent, as well as traditional floral painting which was used to document nature’s beauty. The artist states, “By using subject matter that is historically decorative and painterly, I seek to explore the medium’s more ethereal content.” The paintings become visually intense and hallucinatory as different varieties of flowers and leaves dance and intertwine in the geometry of the surrounding patterns. Traditionally mysticism was effectively communicated in painting through an assortment of lyrical, painterly indulgences, creating a supernatural, as well as an escapist experience. Matt Jacobs...

Artist: John Frederik Hulk II Title: Grazing Sheep Medium: Oil on Wood Panel Dimensions: Unframed 13.5" x 13.5" Framed 19.5" x 16" Frederik Hulk II paints a rural landscape. His careful brushstrokes create the fluffy, wool coats of the sheep as well as the detailed facial features in the foreground. These farm animals are dusted with bright and light. Behind them, Hulk’s forest provides a dark contrast as trunks and boughs crisscross and entangle. Hulk’s oil painting is both a playful and realist representation of 19th century Dutch landscape...

Signed lower right - Jacques - Joseph Lécurieux (Jacques - Joseph Lecurieux, 1801-1867). "Rituel du Serpent. Bou Saada" ("Snake Ritual. Bou Saada") - highly informative and masterly painted picture of Algerian street scene by acknowledged and talented 19th century french artist. His genre scenes, his landscapes and his still lifes are particularly remarkable, as well as his engravings. His life nonetheless remains mysterious, but until now his work continues to be studied and appreciated by art enthusiasts around the world. Antique oil painting on wood panel...