Art Exhibit: Plein Air Escapades

Sonoma County artist, Karen Miller presents Plein Air Escapades, a collection of pastel paintings made during her forays into the wild, around town and adventures to other California locales. Sonoma County is an artist’s paradise, calling many artists to paint “en plein air” directly from life. Miller has taken up that calling with a vengeance. Her works capture vignettes with a sense of place and time. The intriguing way daylight filters through a stand of trees lends excitement to “Trees Circling the Pond.” The elegant swirl of lavender stalks strikes a spiral arrangement in “Lavender Hillside.” Bright splashes of colorful autumn leaves draw the viewer’s eye in “Martarona Winery: Rooftop View.” Her paintings are celebratory of nature. As she explains her vision, “Life is everywhere, and it is essential to celebrate it often.” Born in Sacramento, Miller has lived in Healdsburg for the past 30 years. She studied fine art at UC Santa Cruz, then pursued a career as a structural engineer. Returning to fine art, she began working in soft pastels ten years ago. Miller has exhibited in numerous shows nationally and internationally. She recently achieved “Master Circle” status with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS), earning her credential, IAPS-MC. Her work was juried into the IAPS exhibit this year. Another of her works was accepted for the Pastel Society of the West Coast exhibit. Meet the Artist: Miller will be hosting the Gallery September 28, October 4, 9, 13, 19, 11 am to 2:30 pm.