Silicon Valley Open Studios
Connecting artists to art enthusiasts
Surrounded by the serene landscapes of rural coastal Marin County, nature has been my constant muse since childhood. The National Seashore, State Parks, and vast wildlife areas that adorn my doorstep have fueled my artistic journey, imprinting the intricate details of the natural world into the fabric of my creations. As a former graphic designer, my affinity for meticulous attention to detail seamlessly informs my artistic process.
While I find joy in the literal depiction of nature, my artistic heart gravitates towards the gestural, free, and abstract. A pivotal encounter with artist Raimonds Staprans at the San Jose Museum of Art sparked a shift in my perspective. His bold use of color, simple compositions, and seemingly carefree brushstrokes challenged my rigid mindset, urging me to embrace imperfections as integral to the artistic process.
Simultaneously, my foray into encaustic painting became a lesson in patience and release. Manipulating molten wax with a torch led me to embrace the beauty of imperfections, blurring the line between memories and dreams inspired by nature. Encaustics have opened new realms of expression, fostering flexibility, pushing boundaries, and igniting an abundance of unexplored ideas.
Each artwork weaves a narrative between the meticulous and the spontaneous, capturing the essence of a world suspended between reality and imagination. In this creative dance, I find myself on a perpetual journey of growth, with an ever-expanding canvas of ideas waiting to be explored.
Email: lkread@me.com
Website: lkread.com
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"The Greek Passage" captures the journey through the timeless landscape of Greece, where the steps leading upward symbolize both a physical ascent and a deeper passage of exploration. The pathway invites the viewer to embark on a journey of discovery, whether it be through the rich history, the beauty of the surroundings, or a personal reflection. The steps are not just a route but a bridge to something greater, a transition from the ordinary to the sublime.
Original Oil on Canvas, 2021. This is the second in a series called The Lake at Vasona that I did in 2020-2021. This one is using a Bright Palette. The scene is based on a photo that both I and my husband Mike took at the beautiful Vasona Park in Los Gatos, CA. There are several other versions of this shot in my collection.This and all of my works may be ordered in multiple formats and media on my website at httpswww.colorharmonics.com.
This painting is part of the Luces entre sombra Light Among Shadows series, which captures the inherent light within the human spirit, shining through even in the darkest times. It symbolizes the enduring presence of hope, resilience, and connection, no matter the challenges we encounter.
This painting is part of the Luces entre sombras Light Among Shadows series, which captures the inherent light within the human spirit, shining through even in the darkest times. It symbolizes the enduring presence of hope, resilience, and connection, no matter the challenges we encounter.
This artwork explores the theme of transformation, inspired by the myth of King Midas, whose touch turned everything into gold. The use of gold leaf in this piece serves to elevate and refine the elements within it, imbuing them with a sense of timeless beauty. The gold is not merely decorative, but a symbol of transcendence, turning each brushstroke into something precious and profound. The piece invites the viewer to witness the ordinary transformed into the extraordinary, reflecting the transformative power of art itself.
Acrylic on canvas. This painting will be available for purchase at open studio. It is wired and ready to hang.
These are two separate images I took at different museums, I combined them for a better composition.
In this scene, the Singer's Tears fall onto the grey, colorless earth - producing a field of poppies. As tears fall into the stream, they turn it darker blue and the earth nearby green, with that deepening green and blue falling over the edge onto the next canvas and setting our sights to what lies over there...Artistically, I was thinking about the Woman in Gold by Klimt as this one was coming into being. The out-of-proportion size and sweep of her skirts feeling like the too large sweep of poppies next to the too small figure. "httpsen.wikipedia.orgwikiPortrait_of_Adele_Bloch-Bauer_I" This painting was included in the Expo Metro international group show in Barcelona, Spain on Billboard 30, Row 3, Column 6 at "httpsexpometro.coenexhibition2023-barcelona"
While on Safari in Kenya on the Masai Mara we drove past a trench when suddenly this hyena popped up his head. We had interrupted his rest. He had a look of curiosity on his face so unlike the usual snarling aggressive look so commonly seen. I was inspired to paint his softer side.
watercolor, pigment and ink on watercolor paper
California poppies, uplifting painting
One of a kind piece, hand carved bowl from a single log of Ash tree wood
Print on canvas with extra light custom internal frame. Picture was taken on Big Island of Hawaiii, also available as a matted print.
"Together" stands as a luminous ode to the intricate dance between life and nature. It encourages reflection on growth, transformation, and the delicate interweaving of human existence with the natural world. Through its vibrant celebration of floral beauty and its thoughtful exploration of texture and form, this piece inspires a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the timeless elegance that surrounds us all.
Photo composite made up of two images. Art is created using Photoshop and Lightroom. Framed and matted 16"x 24" archival digital photograph printed with 8 color pigment inks on 100% cotton fine art paper. Framed size is 23" x 31".
This charming mixed media painting captures the tranquil beauty of the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. The centerpiece of the composition is a two-tiered fountain, depicted with cascading water rendered in soft blues and splashes of white, suggesting movement and vitality. Surrounding the fountain are vibrant, blooming roses in hues of orange, pink, yellow, and red, painted with lively, expressive brushstrokes. The delicate watercolor background evokes a serene garden atmosphere, blending with pen and ink details that enhance the fountain's structural form. This piece offers a delightful homage to one of San Joses iconic landmarks.
These pseudo-specimens of made-up creatures are the perfect marriage of material and subject: firm but squishy wool felt as the imagined structure underlying teddy bear anatomy. Several sculptures are available as well as photographic prints of 'UnNatural History' specimens.
One of a kind piece, hand carved bowl from a single log of black walnut tree with leather laces
Our family inherited a sweet, little cabin in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. I have been going there since I was a child, visiting my grandmother. These iconic rock formations are located just off the beach there and I have long admired them.Watercolor on acid free paper
Acrylic and oil. This is a self portrait where I wanted to accentuate the beauty of the body and it’s essence.
This piece portrays myself who has been navigating my life after enduring my fair share of adverse life events. I wanted to capture how I was shattered into pieces, although the fragility in facing hardships should not be only unique to me, but rather a universal trait shared by all human beings we are meant to be resilient to continue our lives.With these ideas in mind, I borrowed a concept from Japanese art called Kintsugi. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. If a bowl is broken, rather than discarding the pieces, the fragments are put back together with a glue-like tree sap and the cracks are adorned with gold. There are no attempts to hide the damage instead, it is highlighted. The Kintsugi concept was a perfect vehicle to convey my theme.
Mixed Media on Watercolor PaperThis abstract mixed media piece explores the interplay of texture, form, and rhythm through a harmonious balance of bold black shapes, ethereal white washes, and shimmering gold accents. Created using layered techniques including ink, graphite, acrylic, oils pastels, charcoal, and metallic, pigments, the artwork captures a sense of movement and spontaneity. Each of the four segments tells a micro-story of contrast and connection, inviting viewers to discover subtle patterns, intuitive marks, and dynamic compositions. This work is a meditation on balancebetween chaos and order, light and shadow, clarity and abstraction.
"Verdant Dreams" draws inspiration from a cherished legacy, harmonizing the art of photographic transformation with the enduring elegance of botanical wonder. The nuanced manipulation of each element evokes a poignant dialogue between past and present, capturing the essence of timeless connection while pushing the boundaries of tradition. This evocative work compels viewers to reflect on the junctures where memory and creativity intertwine, capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature in a manner that is both singular and transcendent.
This evocative work invites viewers to immerse themselves in its tranquil aura, urging them to witness the quiet dialogues that transpire between nature's forms and the footprint of human creativity. It speaks to the timeless beauty found in the harmonious interplay of lush greenery and intricate design, leaving a lingering impression of peace, hope, and reverence for the interconnected tapestry of life. As you engage with "Verdant Whispers," allow yourself to be drawn into the serenity of its gentle narrative, a reminder of the unspoken conversations that bind us to the world around us.
