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Karen Scharer

@scharerstudio

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Colorful, dynamic, abstract oil paintings inspired by life in spectacular Colorado.
For more work and gallery info, visit my website:

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This painting is titled “Don’t Avert Your Gaze”. I painted it several months ago, but the message seems more relevant every day.

For me, painting is more than expression; it is how I stay tethered to who I am. It is therapeutic. It gives me a way to share something of beauty with the world. But recently, the daily barrage of images of conflict and chaos makes creating the work that I strive for – work that is inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting – feel almost out of reach. And yet, I know that averting my gaze to protect my psyche from those dark images is not the solution. We can’t solve problems we refuse to see.

I’m not sure where to begin. I have strong opinions about what I see happening around me. Not everyone would agree with my opinions. But there are a few basic things I learned as a child that still feel right:
- Love thy neighbor.
- Don’t lie.
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
- If you make a mess, clean it up.
- Take responsibility for yourself and your actions.
- Be kind.

If we could agree to start there, it might go a long ways toward finding a better path…one that takes us away from hatred, violence and intolerance, and brings us to more caring, more truth, and a shared sense of purpose.

I think it would also help to agree that:
- Everyone deserves food, access to healthcare, a roof over their head, and dignity.
- Oh, and upholding the Constitution and respecting the rights enshrined there is probably a good idea also.

Are any of those things controversial?

Meanwhile I will continue creating what beauty I can to bring something positive to the world, but I will not avert my gaze. I see what is happening and I demand that we do better. by @scharerstudio

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8 months ago

I came across this quote in an IG post by @makingsenseofscience a couple of days ago. It really resonates with me as I find myself struggling some days to see the relevance of what I do in the midst of so much upheaval. My sincere thanks to @makingsenseofscience ..... by @scharerstudio

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a year ago

Arriving soon at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Georgetown, Washington DC! This is "Midday Shadows", 36 x 72, oil on canvas. It's a lovely way to add rich color and deep neutrals to your favorite space!
@callowayfineart #karenscharer

Georgetown art, Colorado artist, original art, abstract oil, interior design, contemporary art, big art by @scharerstudio

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21 days ago

Now at SmithKlein Gallery in Boulder, CO..."Let the Sun Shine", 36 x 72. I love the feeling of the sun breaking through the clouds in this piece!
Swipe for more views and closeups...
@smithklein
Boulder art, Colorado artist, abstract art, original art, interior design, contemporary art by @scharerstudio

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22 days ago

Coming Soon! Space Gallery celebrates 25 years of thriving in the Denver art scene!!
The Opening Reception is 9/25 from 6 to 8 p.m. I hope to see you there!
Space Gallery is located at 400 Santa Fe Drive in Denver, CO.

@spacegallery._ Denver art, Denver gallery, new work by @scharerstudio

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22 days ago

I posted this 48 x 48 painting, now titled "Here Comes the Sun", a couple of weeks ago. I'm bringing it back now to say that it will be appearing soon at Space Gallery in Denver as part of "Silver Linings", the gallery's 25-year celebration! The show will be hung in mid-September with an opening reception on September 25th from 6 to 8 pm. The show will include work from more than 60 of Space Gallery's artists, and it promises to be a stunner! @spacegallery._

Colorado artist, big art, new work, interior design, contemporary art, Denver art, abstract oil, abstract art, original art by @scharerstudio

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a month ago

"House Of Cards", 48 x 36, oil on canvas is available at Fringe Gallery in Telluride, CO. I love the energy of this dynamic combination of blues and complementary oranges! @fringegallerytelluride

Colorado artist, abstract art, interior design, contemporary art, original art, Telluride art, artrooms app by @scharerstudio

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a month ago

Let "Exuberance", 36 x 72, oil on canvas, bring you a burst of glorious summer cocolor!! Available now at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Georgetown, Washington DC. @callowayfineart

Abstract oil, contemporary art Georgetown art, Colorado artist, big art, interior design, original art by @scharerstudio

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2 months ago

Hi everyone...today I'm hoping for some input...these two photos are two new 48 x 48 oil pieces that may or may not be finished. I painted one and then decided I liked the palette enough to do it again. They're quite different and I'd like to know if anyone has a strong preference...please share your thoughts (which one and why) in the comments. If you want to guess which one came first. I'd love to hear that also! Many thanks in advance!!

Colorado artist, new work, contemporary art, original art, big art, interior design by @scharerstudio

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2 months ago

Having trouble finding the perfect piece to set off that tall thin space in your favorite room?? "Summit", 72 x 24, oil on canvas, is currently available at SmithKlein Gallery in Boulder, CO. @smithklein

Boulder art, abstract oil, Colorado artist, interior design, contemporary art, big art, original art by @scharerstudio

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2 months ago

Blue has always been my favorite color...pretty much any shade of blue...and this painting has some spectacular ones!! This is "As the Tide Turns", 60 x 60, oil on canvas, available at Space Gallery in Denver, CO. @spacegallery._

Colorado artist, Denver art, interior design, contemporary art, big art, abstract oil, art rooms app, original art by @scharerstudio

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2 months ago

"Don't Stop Believin' " 36 x 72, oil on canvas, is available at Fringe Gallery in Telluride, CO. Keeping the faith is perhaps more important now than ever! @fringegallerytelluride

Colorado artist, abstract oil, big art, interior design, contemporary art, original art by @scharerstudio

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2 months ago