Libby Kara is mom to Emily Kara Read (PhD 2012 and Postdoc 2012-2014, Hanson). Small paintings $30, medium paintings $50; contact libbykara@outlook.com
Artist Statement:
I was born and raised in steel towns so water was always nearby. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing and painting. I had a wonderful art teacher in high school, Mr Knauer, who gave me the gift of believing in myself as an artist. I majored in Biology and Environmental Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
Lake Michigan has always figured as a reference point for me. Other lakes and rivers hold special significance for me as well – the Allegheny River just above the Ohio, New River in southern West Virginia, Corey Lake in SW Michigan, Muskegon and Mona Lakes and the St. Joe, Muskegon and White Rivers in west Michigan.
Being able to watch the sky while in, on or near water is what I love doing. And then painting the impressions that leaves on me allows me to share that experience with others. I love working in watercolor because no matter where you think you’re headed there are sure to be “accidents” along the way. Usually good ones, sometimes lessons, always interesting. There’s no going back in watercolor – you can’t paint over “mistakes”. I’ve come to like that, a lot.