A love of architectural forms and nature compel Gary Karasek to create spiritual and idyllic “Ethereal Environments.” Visit his website to see more of his art.
“Island of Light” Oil on Canvas, 48″ x 36″
At a young age, two passions developed as influences in my life, the natural world of woodlands, meadows and mountains, and secondly, a love of creating, through art projects and building things. Raised by two artists, our home and outings were enhanced with artistic endeavors such as sketch trips, art lessons, interior spaces filled with artwork and most importantly, learning to see as an artist. My inventiveness and interest in buildings drew me towards architecture by age twelve.
“Blue Pines” Oil on Canvas, 24” x 36”
A Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois provided the foundation for a career in sustainable architecture and environmental studies. Expanding deeper into creative arts opened opportunities to produce in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, book and technical illustration, theatrical scenic art and furniture design to name a few. Painting beckons more as I move into my seventh decade.
“Geometrix Boulders” Oil on Canvas, 48” x 36”
My paintings have evolved over the past ten years, away from the popular plein air and realism into a style that emotionally touches the viewers, inspires and transforms. Much of my work suggests natural settings and places to wander. Together they evoke wonder, both spiritually and meditatively.
“Geometrix” Oil on Canvas, 40” x 30”
They are passages in time in which to lose oneself and be at peace. In our high-tech world, my artwork is a counterbalance; an escape to sensual and idyllic destinations.
“Wanderscape” Oil on Canvas, 24” x 18”
The soft-edged cubist abstractions incorporated in much of the work provide a contrast or contradiction to the natural focal points. The geometric shapes reflect the mathematics of my architectural profession.
“Path of Light” Oil on Canvas, 30” x 40”
Ethereal Environments have been designed as a brief respite from our busy world.
“Pool of Light” Oil on Canvas, 36” x 24”
Materials consist of a 7-color palette: Cadmium Yellow, Orange and Red Medium, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean, Ultramarine Blue and White. I work on linen canvas or coated Masonite board.
“Reflections” Oil on Canvas, 48” x 36”
Production starts by toning the surface with Burnt Sienna or Ultramarine Blue using compositional based value and color studies, establishing hotspots and deep darks. I use splash and subtractive techniques to further establish the foundation for the painting.
“Sky Lights” Oil on Canvas, 36” x 24”
Working wet, layers of thinned colors cover the surface. Once I build the half dozen paint layers and add glazes to enhance color and composition, the magic of these techniques begin to show. The shapes, the light and the colors blend for a unique style capturing nature and geometrics. I am driven to see and have others open their eyes to beauty.
“Transformation” Oil on Canvas, 48” x 36”
The Ethereal Environment paintings have been designed for home and office and are ideal for lobbies, conference rooms, guest rooms and corridors in hospitality, medical offices and hospitals, wellness and health facilities, churches and religious buildings, schools and other places seeking peaceful impressions.
A touch of design and magic.
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My favorites are Geometrix and Pool of Light. They seem to combine the geometric and nature forms well.
Thank you Martha, I appreciate your comment. My realist tendencies battle with the abstract at times. I love the challenge of creating the composition to depict a certain balance.