Friday, December 13, 2013

Open House: Meet the New Neighbors!

Life Needs Art / Bellabor Art Jewelry
invite you to
Meet the New Neighbors!

We've just moved into our new art studio and
would love to get acquainted.

Come join us for some socializing and light refreshments on

Monday, December 16
4:00 – 6:00 pm
220 N. Main, Suite B
(above My Little Red Wagon)

Holiday Art Show at JADE Gallery, Dec. 14, 2013

For you Northeast Ohioans, pop on out to the JADE Gallery in Chesterland on Saturday, December 14th for a holiday art show of local art.
Read more ...

Workshop: Make a Mini Watercolor Palette


Learn how to make a tiny palette box for your watercolor paints.

These boxes easily slip in your purse or tuck in a pocket so that you can paint everywhere and anywhere. Perfect for traveling or sketching on the go.

This little bitty palette makes a great gift for the creative person on your list – or keep it for yourself!

Saturday, December 14
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Registration: $25

Class size limited to 5 people
Bring a tin of Altoids (empty or full)

Call TODAY to guarantee your spot @ 216 789 2751

Class held at 220 N. Main St., Suite B, Hudson, OH 44236.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Cleveland Handmade Market, Dec. 7, 2013

Tis the season for the Cleveland Handmade Market at Tower Press.

This was my favorite show from last year and I’ve been looking forward to it all year: really interesting work that you don’t see elsewhere, good crowds, absolutely cool building, and the Artefino cafe on site.

Cleveland Handmade Market at Tower Press
Saturday, December 7
10am – 6pm
1900 Superior Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44144

Read more ...



Monday, December 02, 2013

Cyber Monday 2013

Monday, December 2, is Cyber Monday - a day of online sales, specials, and cyber goodness.

To celebrate, I'm offering free shipping on everything in my Etsy shop to U.S. addresses. (Contact me for reduced shipping to international addresses.)

Offer applies to all paintings, ornaments, collages - everything!

Shop here: http://lifeneedsart.com/











Friday, November 29, 2013

Collage Ornaments

So I've been fascinated with collage lately (see here), and the thought hit me: Why stick to 2-dimensional objects?

Read more ...

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Five Small Collages

Saturday afternoon was a lot of fun. Some folks from the Ohio Collage Society got together for a collage-making party,

Read more ...

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

NEW: Join me for an Art Journaling Class

Need a little “ME” time during the holidays?
Looking to add some color to your day?
Always wanted to journal but

Read more ...

Dusk

The light at the end of the day as the colors cool down, shadows deepen, and twilight settles in. That's what this

Read more ...

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Two Imaginary Landscapes

I've had the urge to paint landscapes lately. Why? I have no idea. I've never painted landscapes, not really. My

Read more ...

Dancing in the Spring

"Dancing In The Spring" reminds me of the joy of early spring mornings, warm breezes, and new grass underfoot. But, as

Read more ...

November

"November" is the second painting in a series that began with an imaginary image that I couldn't quite put my finger

Read more ...

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Autumn

"Autumn" began with an image that I just couldn't get out of my head - a red shape on a dark purple or gray background,

Read more ...

Monday, November 04, 2013

Grand Opening, November 9, 2013

At long last - a dream come true! I've wanted a real art studio for as long as I can remember, and here it is! Join me

Read more ...

Thickets

"Thickets", 8x8 inches, acrylic paint and ink on canvas.

I've struggled with naming this painting for a while,

Read more ...

Saturday, November 02, 2013

Bell Street ArtWalk, November 8, 2013

Looking for some arty fun on Friday, November 8? Take a drive into Chagrin Falls and stop by the Bell Street

Read more ...

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Over The Lake 2

Over the Lake, abstract painting, life needs artThis painting of Over the Lake is the second in the series derived from a recent visit to Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio. I’m still fascinated by the colors of that day and the windy weather.

Get the full story >>

Monday, October 28, 2013

Location and Hours - Life Needs Art Studio in Hudson


Life Needs Art, Bellabor Art Jewelry Sign 

The art studio of Life Needs Art and Bellabor Art Jewelry is located right in the heart of Hudson. It's a working studio where Karen is painting and Dana is creating chainmaille jewelry.

Their creations are on display and available for purchase.

The address is:

220 N. Main Street
Suite B (2nd Floor, above My Little Red Wagon)
Hudson, OH 44236

Hours vary weekly. Check here for current hours.


View Larger Map

Paintings and Collages, Hudson Library, 2013

Through the end of 2013, a selection of my paintings and collages will be on display at the Hudson Library in its Watson-Ewell-Currin Art Gallery.

Because my house and studio are small, it’s rare to see so much of my work hanging side-by-side. This is, then, really a treat for me. It always surprises me to see similarities between pieces when they are placed next to each other.

See photos of the gallery and the artworks on display >>


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fall Fest Day, October 20, 2013

Looking for a fun event for a fall Sunday? Robesto’s Catering, LLC, in Twinsburg is sponsoring a Fall Fest on Sunday, October 20, 2013 from 2-6pm.

There will be tastings, giveaways, pumpkin painting, and a variety of local businesses with displays. I’ll be there with paintings and info about the new studio. Stop on out and say hi!

Get more info and the address...

Fall Fest Day, October 20, 2013

In the Pink, 2013

Hudson Fine Art & Framing is hosting its annual fundraiser for The Gathering Place in October.

Opening night is Friday, October 4, 2013 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The show runs through the month.

Along with artwork by Alice Kiderman, Mary Chapdelaine, and me will be dozens of 6×8 inch paintings by local artists. The paintings will be raffled to raise money for The Gathering Place. See more...

Afternoon in May

Bright, sunny, warm and inviting.Soft creamy colors painted in the background, with drizzles of black acrylic ink accentuated by drops of red and green alcohol inks. See more...

abstract painting by Karen Koch Life Needs Art

Imaginary Garden 2

Similar to the first Imaginary Garden, but smaller and moodier. Maybe late autumn rather than early autumn, and a thicker tangle of underbrush. See more...


Imaginary Garden 2, abstract painting, life needs art, Karen Koch

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Imaginary Garden

As the seasons change, I find myself imagining what the landscape will look like as we move into the spareness of As the seasons change, I find myself imagining what the landscape will look like as we move into the spareness of ...

imaginary garde, expressionistic abstract painting, life needs art

Monday, September 16, 2013

Over the Lake

About a month ago, my sister and I took a day trip to Geneva on the Lake, Ohio. For as long as we’ve lived in the area, neither one of us have been there. The day was cold and windy, unseasonable for August but typical of this past summer. Read more...

impressionistic painting, acrylic, life needs art

Campfire

Crackling fire on a cool evening, poking at the flames with a branch. That’s what I think of with this one. What does it remind you of? Read more...

abstract acrylic painting campfires memories

Memories 2

Soft passages of pink and beige, with drizzles of black ink.  Dreamy but not too sweet.
I love the spots where the ink “bloomed” into organic almost flower-like shapes. Read more...

memories 2 abstract painting by life needs art

Memories 1

A small 8-inch square painting in blues and reds with lots of movement. It feels joyous to me. The second photo shows ...
Read more...

memories series abstract painting

Playing in the Sprinkler

Remember when you were a kid and the best thing in the world was a hot summer day, cold water from the sprinkler, and grass between your toes? Read more...

abstract acrylic painting memories life needs art

Thistles

Yes, now this is thistles! This one is smaller than some of the other recent photos:  it’s 8 x 8 inches. Read more...

abstract painting memories life needs art

Lavender

I started to title this one “Thistles” but decided that no, it reminds me more of lavender. Have you seen how lavender grows with the flowers on those long spiky branches? Read more...



abstract acrylic painting lavender memories life needs art

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Summer Heat

Washes of warm colors and drips of acrylic ink and dots of alcohol inks. Painted, as usual, on scrapbooking paper though the pattern...

abstract acrylic painting life needs art

Monday, July 15, 2013

Breezy Point

Sweeping greens and purples and blacks, painted on  scrapbooking paper. You can see...

abstract acrylic painting on paper life needs art

Pastel Colors

abstract acrylic painting, pastel colors 
I have been waiting to post photos of so many new paintings until I come up with just the perfect titles. It bugs me to name things #1 or Untitled or Green because I believe in the value of a good title to lead the viewer through my thought process. But sometimes...

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Bellissimo Fine Arts & Craft Show, 2013

ArtShow_webheader
Art? Wine? Beautiful surroundings? Can you imagine a more enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

Join us on Sunday, July 21 from noon – 6:00 for a fine art and craft fair on the lovely grounds of Gervasi Vineyard. More than....




Saturday, July 13, 2013

National Collage Society Postcard Show, 2013

The National Collage Society’s postcard show is such a cool show. It’s exactly what it sounds like; all entries are postcard-sized: 4×6 inches, no bigger, no smaller. Read more...


postcard-sized collage, red sky at morning

Tall Trees and Swings

Another smaller abstract painting done on paper with acrylic paints and inks. Continue...

abstract painting on paper by Karen Koch, life needs art

Paths Through Pathless Woods

Paths through pathless woods, abstract painting by Karen Koch, Life Needs ArtA smaller abstract painting, done with acrylic paints and acrylic inks on paper.

Continue...

Friday, May 31, 2013

Little Mini Paintings

Fun with minis! I haven’t painted any tiny paintings in a while and was craving smallness, compactness. Here are a selection  of 4×4 inch paintings, done on paper and mounted on extra-deep gallery wrapped canvas. Some are...
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/blog/little-mini-paintings/

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Expressions, a RAW Artists event, May 30, 2013


Join me for an exciting evening of art, music, dance, fashion, film, and much more!

May 30, 2013
8:00p.m. till midnight
Avenue Tap House 
18206 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH

Tickets are $15 pre-sale through Monday, then prices go up. Don’t miss out! Get them here: http://www.rawartists.org/lifeneedsart

More details here: http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/expressions-a-raw-artists-event-may-30-2013/

When the Leaves Begin to Change, Abstract Painting

Acrylic paint and india ink on scrapbooking paper.
12 x 12 inches
Matted and framed under glass.
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/when-the-leaves-begin-to-change/ 

One More Postcard

This is a delightful surprise! One more postcard from the swap JUST arrived in my mailbox.

When the swap ended, I knew I was one postcard short – you send in 5, get 5 cards back from participants, plus one from Kat (the organizer). Doing the math, that’s 6 total. I only received 5 (see the pic at http://www.lifeneedsart.com/blog/one-more-postcard/).

Friday, May 10, 2013

Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap, 2013

I love the postcard swap. Why?

  • I love getting mail – real handwritten mail – in my box.
  • I love postcards – bright, colorful, cheerful. Postcards are the best kind of mail because they’re symbolic of something special.
  • I love art – ok, that one’s a given.
  • I love connecting with other artists.
All that in a simple standard postcard. See the cards...

Sunday, May 05, 2013

2013 Exhibits and Shows

2013 is indeed a busy year! Check back here for details on each show as the dates approach. New shows are added all the
Read more ...

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Pop-Up Art Show, Case-Barlow Farm, May 12

Hudson Society of Artists is pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with Case-Barlow Farm on a pop-up art show. The event will be held on Sunday, May 12, during the farm’s open house.
Read more ...

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Oddmall, May 11, 2013

Are you up for something different? Tired of the ordinary same-old, same-old? Want to shake things up a bit?

Here’s the cure:

Oddmall, the self-titled “Emporium of the Weird”. It promises to be not your average cutsy arts and craft fair.

I’ll have a booth with some new work, never before seen in public. I’d love for you to be the first! Stop out and see me:

Saturday May 11, 2013
10am – 6pm
Clarion Inn
6625 Dean Memorial Parkway
Hudson, OH 44236

Read more ...

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Ohio Collage Society Members Show, 2013

The Ohio Collage Society Members show runs May 2 - 30, 2013, and is being held at Weathervane Playhouse.

The opening

Ohio Collage Society Members show...

Sunday, April 21, 2013

23rd Annual Juried Show, Artists of Rubber City, 2013

This year’s annual juried show sponsored by Artists of Rubber City includes 70 artworks by 46 artists. See which paintings I have in the show.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Memories of Unanswered Questions, a Collage

“Memories of Unanswered Questions” came out of a sketching and brainstorming session several weeks ago. I was playing with the idea of “questions” and “unanswered questions”. An image kept developing that was mostly light-colored on one side, with a colorful stripe down the other.

See the rest of the story, and the draft sketches leading up to this piece.

Saturday, April 06, 2013

Mingling in a Room Full of Strangers, a Collage

“Mingling in a Room Full of Strangers” has evolved over several years. It’s one of those images that I can’t leave alone – it keeps calling to me – but knowing exactly what it needs has been a challenge.



Read more about it...

Small Packets, a Collage

"Small Packets” is a little collage that is packed with all kinds of wonderful things.  You can see bits of paper, tissue, magazine images, a coin wrapper, and vintage Top Value stamps I found in papers from my mom. The postage label came on a package I received by Royal Mail, hence the title of the piece.

Read more about it...

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Finding My Way Home, a Collage

"Finding My Way Home" started with a bit of nostalgia for the places I've lived throughout my life. I've been wondering

Read more ...

Green Art Exhibit, April 2013

Join me and a wonderful group of artists as we celebrate the idea of recycling, repurposing, and reusing.
All

Read more ...

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Lakeside, a Collage

"Lakeside" is a small postcard-sized collage, 4 inches high by 6 inches wide. It has bits of magazine photos, some

Read more ...

Sunday, January 06, 2013

New Mini Watercolor Palette

Last week as I was cleaning my studio, I ran across two small eyeshadow compacts that I'd intended to turn into

Read more ...