Detail: Morning Mason Street Farm, 18x24, oil on canvas, 2021

Karen Kaiser presents
New Work

April 20 - May 9, 2021 at the Gage Gallery

​Wonderful whimsy abounds in Karen Kaiser’s paintings. Using loose flowing brushwork, she conjures up impressions of people and places. These scenes appear vaguely familiar, yet somehow mysterious. For example, Morning, Mason Street Farm brings nostalgia to life in a cityscape. The farm is presented like a market garden on the outskirts of town. Not an exact replica of the fenced property in the heart of busy Fernwood. The painting is a delightful version of urban country style. The foreground shows rows of plants, reddish earth and a line of slanted fence posts. A lone figure works the soil. The gangly farmhouse appears to merge with the flowing pink clouds of sunrise, adding a touch of majesty to the scene. Around the house, the Fernwood neighbourhood recedes. Bright triangles and squares point out house fronts and roofs. Landmarks beckon - church spires and towering trees.​

Morning Mason Street Farm, 18x24, oil on canvas, 2021

Wild, 16x20, oil on canvas, 2021

“When I travel by car or on foot,” says Kaiser, “I’m always looking for unique views with emotional resonance.” She brings a visual memory or snapshot of the scene back to the studio. Her challenge comes is recreating the situation using her imagination and instinctive recall. “While I paint I’m always checking in,” she says, “to see if I am on track with the original vision.” Kaiser is married to visual artist Marshall Hugh Kaiser, who is represented by the EJ Hughes Gallery in Duncan.
Marshall’s art is also available at the newly-expanded art rental and sales showroom at the AGGV. They share a studio and work closely on research for painting subjects. On weekly outings, they spot content for each other, and share reference material. Both have a gift for visualizing the dramatic potential in everyday vistas.

Good neighbours, James Bay, 16x16 in, oil on canvas, 2021

Boardwalk at Brentwood Bay, 24x24, oil on canvas, 2021

Kaiser is well known for her intriguing facial portraits and neighbourhood scenes. These atmospheric gems usually measure less than 8 by 10 inches. In comparison, her new works feature medium sizes, with the largest being 24 by 24 inches. Her expanded subjects include interiors, landscapes, cityscapes and seascapes around Victoria and Vancouver Island. Kaiser describes 2020 as a “breakthrough year”. She’s worked hard to hone new skills during extra studio time. “Making larger paintings that include spacial perspective has been an important step for me,” she says.

Imogene, 6x4, oil on canvas panel, 2021

Rolling Storm, Race Rocks, 24x18, oil on canvas, 2021

Karen Kaiser grew up in Nova Scotia in a family that encouraged creativity. Sketching, oil painting and fabric design came naturally. She completed an Education Degree and her husband studied at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. When the couple moved to Victoria 20 years ago, she painted while still working. “Now that I'm retired from teaching,” she says, “I'm able to pour all of my energy into artwork.” Self-taught, Kaiser is an avid reader, who gleaned techniques and tips from books and videos. The couple collect books on admired artists, mostly Canadian and Group of Seven works from the 1930’s. “The loose, luscious paintings of James Wilson Morrice have inspired me over the years,” she says.

Many steps are involved in expressing the artist’s original vision. Each canvas receives an underpainting of Terra Rosa, a brownish-red tone. Working on a wet canvas, she draws out subjects with paint a shade darker. The added colours mix with the underpainting, a technique useful in the formation of clouds, sky and ground cover. “These blended colours form wonderful shadows and tones,” she says, “which I can work on later.” Once dry, a second coat is added to fine-tune shadows, midtones and highlights. “Loose is more energetic,” she says, “so I’m careful not to overwork the painting.”

Meeting of the Trees, 16x16, oil on canvas, 2021

View Over Fernwood, 18x18, oil on canvas, 2021

Kaiser joined Gage Gallery one year ago and relishes her new community. “These 20 artists are a great group of people,” she says. The Gage Gallery is in its sixth year and going strong. Before Covid, Kaiser connected with audiences through events like the Moss Street Paint In, the Sidney Fine Art and Sooke Fine Art Shows. Now, gallery sitting and chatting with Gage colleagues provide valuable feedback. She has learned new skills about running a business and marketing art. “Having my first solo show is an exciting adventure,” she says, “and I’m grateful to the folks at Gage for their support.”

Karen Kaiser welcomes your interest and can be reached at:   [email protected]

​Artist in Attendance:
April 20, 22, 30 and May 4 from 11:00 - 2:00
April 25 and May 9 from 12:00 - 4:00

Malahat Peak, 12x12 in, oil on canvas, 2021

The Old Neighbourhood, 16x16 in, oil on canvas, 2021

Gage Gallery Arts Collective, 2031 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, V8R 1E5,  250 592-2760 
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:00   Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00. 

Karen’s show at the Gage Gallery was a great success. Out of 36 exhibited artworks, 28 were collected.
Below, Karen poses with Morning Mason Street Farm (left) and The Old Neighbourhood, both sold!
Karen's artworks are available at Gage Gallery's online store. Visit their website 

Karen with Morning Mason Street Farm (left) and The Old Neighbourhood.

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​Web Design and Content by Kate Cino
Arts writer published in Focus on Victoria, Yam and Boulevard. 
History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from 
​the University of Victoria
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