The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission presents the Karen Leonard Silk Painting Exhibit at the Mountlake Terrace Library.
Karen Leonard’s silk paintings combine graphic design with bright luminous colors. Her subjects are joyful, soothing, humorous, and nostalgic.
“I draw freehand directly onto the fabric,” Leonard said. “I think ‘foreground first’, then fill in the background. Dye is applied with a paintbrush, the dry silk absorbing color very quickly. Finally, the image is permanently bonded into the silk using the steaming process. Steam increases the color intensity and luminosity.”
The show runs through Aug. 31 at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.
Leonard holds certificates in Graphic Design and has won awards at juried shows on both coasts. She is a silk painter, graphic designer, interior designer, artisan tile setter, quilter, silkscreen printer, and amateur photographer. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest.
Leonard is an EDGE graduate Arts/NowEdCC, Artist Trust, Seattle. She earned her Graphic Design certificate at Shoreline Community College. She learned silkscreen printing at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, and studied watercolor at Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts.
Leonard has participated in solo exhibitions including the 2013 3rd Thursday ArtWalk’ at Manfredini & Barnfather, Edmonds; 2013 ‘First Friday ArtWalk’ at Fremont Jewelry Design, Seattle; 2013 3rd ThursdayArtWalk’ at Edmonds Vision Center; and 2003 ‘First Born’. She is a member of Artists Connect in Edmonds, Artist Trust in Seattle, and Arts of Kenmore.
Group shows and awards include ‘Out With a Bang’, Corridor Gallery, Seattle; ‘Collaboration’ at Edmonds Arts Foundation; ‘“Pets on Parade’, Schack Art Center, Everett; ‘Come Out of the Dark’ at Edmonds Conference Center; ‘EAFA 38th Annual Art Show’ at Seattle Design Center, Seattle; ‘Arts of the Terrace 35th Annual’, Mountlake Terrace (Award: Juror’s Choice 3rd place award); Artsplash 2013 Art Show, Edmonds Art Foundation (Award: People’s Choice 3rd place); 2013 ‘Reflections on Water’ at Edmonds Conference Center (Award: Juror’s Choice 1st place).
Leonard is represented by Arc Watch Works & Engraving in Bellevue, and the Gallery at Town Center, Lake Forest Park.
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