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Karine Swenson

@kms_abstract_studio

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Abstract oil and encaustic paintings by New Mexico artist Karine Swenson. Currently represented by @aureliagalleryfineart

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Imperfection is part of being human. We strive for control and perfection, but inevitably fall short.
Part of what I embrace in my paintings is this paradox. The edges are often wobbly. Sometimes the heat of the torch when I fuse makes the lines crooked. Sometimes I mistakenly overheat something and lose the shape or the color spreads more than I wanted. Rather than trying to fix those things, I leave them. I work around the accidents.
I seek beauty, not perfection.
This is encaustic paint on a Cradled Birch panel, 24 x 24 inches. "A Drop Fell." ©2026 Karine Swenson

#ArtAndIdeas #Painting #kmsabstractstudio #EncausticPainting #Abstraction by @kms_abstract_studio

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6 months ago

"Each Ecstatic Instant." Encaustic on Cradled Birch, 18 x 18 inches. ©2026 Karine M. Swenson

I've been finding the poetry of Emily Dickinson to have a cadence that works with my paintings. So, I'm giving them titles from her poems. We have similar loves. I think. I can't ask her, but I feel a kinship.

#Painting #Encaustic #kmsabstractstudio
#Color #ArtAndPoetry by @kms_abstract_studio

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6 months ago

This time, I reversed the black and white. I had so many layers already on this painting, it affected the final outcome. I need to do one that starts with a fresh, white background.
I still think it's interesting.

I think this one is 9 x 12 inches.
Encaustic on Birch.

What shall I call it?

#painting #BlackAndWhite #kmsabstractstudio by @kms_abstract_studio

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8 months ago

There is something compelling about these paintings, where I feel like I can explore so many ideas without words. It means the viewer has to participate.
It isn't so much about what I see or what it means to me. The painting has to have significance without me.

So, again, I'm asking what you think of when you see this painting. I really want to know.

Encaustic on Birch, 12 x 12 inches.

#Painting #kmsabstractstudio #BlackAndWhite by @kms_abstract_studio

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8 months ago

I'm thinking of calling this one either: "Close Encounters" or "The Veil"
Or maybe "Jellyfish"
What do you think?
Encaustic on birch, 12 x 12 inches. New.

#painting #blackandwhite #kmsabstractstudio by @kms_abstract_studio

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8 months ago

Untitled. Encaustic on birch, 9 x 12 inches. New work.
What does it remind you of?

#artist #painting #kmsabstractstudio by @kms_abstract_studio

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8 months ago

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8 months ago

When I first started experimenting with encaustic paint, I was just painting little paintings like these two. (7 x 5 inches.) Just for myself. I had pared everything down to these rhythmic brush strokes so I could play with color.
I still enjoy making little paintings like this, and when I'm stuck or when I just want to play, this is what I do. The lines are the structure that supports the color.
It's all about the blissful immersion into color.

#Painting #EncausticPainting #Color #kmsabstractstudio #SantaFeArtist by @kms_abstract_studio

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10 months ago

Untitled with florescent lime. Encaustic on birch, 12 x 12 inches. New.

I'm happy to be back in the studio.

#Painting #AbstractArt #Color #kmsabstractstudio #SantaFeArtist #EncausticPainting by @kms_abstract_studio

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10 months ago

New work. Encaustic on birch. 12 x 12 inches. ©2025 Karine Swenson.
Another exploration of movement, color, transparency and shape.
#Art #Artist #AbstractPainting #Color #kmsabstractstudio #nmwomeninthearts #SantaFeArtist by @kms_abstract_studio

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a year ago

I love playing with color. I'm trying out different blues.
This is new.
Encaustic on birch, 8 x 8 inches. ©2025 Karine Swenson
#Art #Abstraction #kmsabstractstudio #nmwomeninthearts #EncausticPainting #SantaFeArtist by @kms_abstract_studio

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a year ago

Untitled. Encaustic on Birch, 36 x 36 inches. ©2025 Karine Swenson
This painting and I went on quite a journey together. There was experimentation, discovery, destruction, and redemption. And I think now, we have reached an accord. Maybe.
I'm open to title suggestions.
#Painting #Artist #noAI #EncausticPainting #Abstraction #kmsabstractstudio #nmwomeninthearts #NatureInspired by @kms_abstract_studio

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a year ago