Cara Robbins Karan has a passion for impressionism, painting, and nature. She will be leading not one but two classes on March 11 as a kick-off for the new monthly series, Art+Wine at the AMA, and we couldn’t be more excited about our new creative partnership! Recently, the Arlington Museum of Art caught up with the busy artist to learn more about her career and inspiration(s).
AMA: What do you enjoy most about your artistic medium?
CRK: I am an oil painting artist, and what I enjoy most about oils is how versatile they are. You can do more with oils then any other kind of paint. As an impressionist, I really appreciate how easy oils are to blend, build up on the canvas, mix and create a wide range of aesthetics with.
AMA: We’re really interested in hearing how artists grow into their work. Tell us how you envisioned and developed your style.
CRK: I have always connected with and been drawn to the impressionists. Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley and Van Gogh are inspirations for me. When I began painting, I started by taking classes with Liz Bonham and Judy Gelfert. These two amazing impressionist artists empowered me with the tools to put on the canvas what was in my heart.
My style uses all the colors, a wide range of value and saturation, bold brush strokes and thick, chunky paint.
AMA: Do you like to travel? If so, does travel inspire your work and how?
CRK: I spent the first 18 years of my life moving constantly for my parents work, so now I am very happy to stay in one place. Nature is my greatest inspiration and my goal is to discover and capture its beauty on canvas.
AMA: The AMA is very interested in encouraging people to discover the artist within themselves. Why do you think that’s important, too?
CRK: I very much believe there is an artist within each of us. That inner artist has a voice and an expression that no one else can express as well as oneself. There are as many forms and types of artistic expression as there are people and every voice that is willing to share its expression is enriching our world.
AMA: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you as an artist?
CRK: I am currently working towards my second degree, a BFA in painting. My first degree was in sociology with a minor in biology which I completed twenty years ago in New York.
AMA: Where can people see your work and purchase it?
CRK: My website is crkimpressions.com and my Facebook page is CRK Impressions.
About Art+Wine at the AMA
Hosted in the intimate setting of the museum, Art+Wine at the AMA is held monthly on or near the second Saturday (excluding August). On Saturday, March 11, the AMA kicks off the series with Arlington-based artist Cara Robbins Karan. Cara will lead participants through the steps to create a painting inspired by her Trees series. Participants will enjoy step-by-step painting instruction so that by the end of the workshop, they’ll have their very own canvas painting to take home with them. Wine and snacks are included in the price of admission.
The same painting will be taught by Cara at two different workshops on March 11: one from 3-5 pm and the second from 6-8 pm. Tickets for both March 11 Art+Wine workshops are available for purchase now at: arlingtonmuseum.org/event-tickets-art-and-wine-3-11-23
Details for future Art+Wine events will be posted on the AMA events calendar.
