Karen O'Brien
University Place, WA
As a pastel and acrylic artist and physician I am passionate about the ability of light and color to provide healing and well being.
MessagePacific Northwest artist Karen O’Brien uses dynamic layers of acrylic and pastel to create vibrant Abstract Expressionist works on paper, panel and canvas. While serving 27 years as an Army Physician, she turned to painting as she sought to develop resilience and healing within herself and those with whom she worked. Her works have been exhibited in numerous national exhibitions to include the Pastel Society of America’s Enduring Brilliance Exhibition and has won awards in Pastel Journal’s Annual Pastel 100 Competition. Her influences include Willem de Kooning, Claude Monet and J.M.W. Turner.
Statement
I am a contemporary abstract colorist who uses a unique layering process to create an interplay of texture, color and form to create uplifting non-objective and abstract landscapes. I work in acrylic and pastel to capture light and form. My goal is to provide the viewer with an experience that inspires and heals.
My Mother wanted me to become an artist but I became a doctor instead. I served as an Army Family Physician and spent much of my career training young doctors. As the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq waged, my students and husband were deployed in harm's way. I turned to art to build resilience. After serving a tour in Afghanistan, I retired in 2014 with 27 years of service. I now take care of Veterans part time and spend the rest of my free time painting.
I am a contemporary abstract colorist who uses unique layering to create an interplay of texture, color and form to create vibrant non-objective and abstract landscapes. I hope that my art will help viewers to establish connections that will improve health and wellbeing. I strive to inspire connections with the art, with their creative selves, and with others thru mutual love of art and beauty. Human connection is one of the most important drivers of health in older adults. Research shows that lack of human connection affects health and mortality as much as smoking and obesity. There is much we can do to reverse the epidemic of isolation and loneliness that many people experience and help improve health and lifespans.
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