Karma Kitaj

My current work focuses attention on the abstracted human figure using some partially clothed nudes from life drawing sessions or “stick” figures resembling carrots in various positions.I have studied with Laura Shabott, Robert Burridge and Melinda Cootsona from whom I’ve become more and more comfortable painting the figure. My figures tend to be distorted and/ or blurred, using primary colors. I like to create an environment for each picture, consisting of windows to the world or prints from famous artists. Matisse is one of my favorite painters, as you might see. Although I painted abstracts in encaustic for years, since COVID, I’ve felt compelled to consider the human condition and make more of a statement with my paintings. I use oil mixed with cold wax, collage, spray paint, burnt shellac, often painted over old encaustic works.