embracing joy through art

Karen savory's "feather and fur" showcases a remarkable collection of her latest work, featuring her first series of large-format paintings. each piece reflects her signature whimsical and joyous touch, inspiring happiness and inviting viewers to see the world through her vibrant, imaginative lens. 

Karen Savory’s upcoming solo exhibition, "Feather and Fur," brings a fresh burst of happiness and color to Cassens Fine Art. This collection marks an exciting milestone in Karen’s artistic journey as she steps into large-format painting for the first time. "Feather and Fur" also marks a big shift in her medium, switching her works from watercolor to acrylics, a change that has brought about a new level of vibrancy to her work. 

Known for bringing a playful and lively touch to the walls, Karen’s work invites viewers to rejoice in the natural world around us, offering a chance to find happiness in its simplest moments. Inspired by the unique personalities of wildlife, this collection represents the lighthearted connection we have to the critters that call our woods home. This collection offers viewers a glimpse into the small moments often overlooked, highlighting the joyous spirits found within our mountains.

A Self-Taught Journey

Karen’s artistic path is as colorful as her creations. Growing up in a creatively supportive environment, she was first introduced to art through her mother’s painting and sewing projects. With a dedicated painting space at home, Karen spent hours watching her mom work, sparking a lifelong love for creativity. Family projects—whether it was sewing, drawing, or painting—were a constant part of her life, fostering an early connection to the world of art.

Karen’s passion for painting began when she picked up her sister’s old paints from art school. A friend shared her work with a local gallery owner, and from there, Karen transitioned from physical therapy to a full-time artist. It’s a journey that’s been full of unexpected twists, but it all began with a spark of creativity in her childhood home.

The Artistic Evolution

Karen’s work has evolved significantly over the years. Initially drawn to watercolors for their portability, she often brought them along on hikes and trips, capturing the light, airy quality of the natural world. While she still loves the delicate charm of watercolors, the medium required careful planning and left little room for adjustment, as each brushstroke was permanent. For this exhibition, Karen embraced a bold new challenge. Inspired to create larger, more mature pieces, she transitioned from watercolors to acrylics—a shift that opened up new creative possibilities. "I love the versatility of acrylics. I can make them transparent like watercolors and paint layer upon layer, adding depth, or I can use them more like oil paints, making brush strokes stand out." Karen says when asked about the new medium. "It's been pure joy learning and experimenting." Acrylics have given Karen the freedom to layer, experiment, and make changes, resulting in vibrant, saturated works full of energy and life.

The larger format pieces in Feather and Fur represent another exciting evolution in her artistic journey. With more space to explore, Karen has brought the unique personalities of her subjects to life in ways that feel bigger, bolder, and more expressive than ever before. "Painting big has been such a fun learning process and change for me," Karen says, "It’s allowed me to add more details and, at the same time, find a looseness in my brushstrokes."
This exhibition marks the debut of her large-format acrylic paintings, offering viewers a fresh and dynamic perspective on her beloved wildlife creations.

The Theme: Feather and Fur

"Feather and Fur" is a testimony to the playful charm and unique personalities found in the loving animals of Montana. Karen builds upon the already present individualities of each creature in her work, capturing the warmth and character of each animals she paints—big or small—highlighting what makes them truly special. 

This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Karen's connection to the natural world, with each piece portraying her creatures in a way that brings out their human-like qualities. Through these works, Karen hopes viewers see a reflection of themselves in the critters, finding joy, curiosity, and wonder in their expressions. It’s about celebrating the love in the simple moments we share with the world around us.

A Standout Piece: The Barn Owls

Among the collection, a painting of two barn owls holds a special place in Karen’s heart. Perched together, the two owls share a tender connection. It's a piece that radiates joy and connection, and Karen hopes viewers feel the same when they see it.

The Artist’s Vision

Karen finds solace and happiness in creating, and she hopes to share those feelings with her audience. Her goal is simple yet profound: to make people smile and spread a little joy through her art. "Feather and Fur" perfectly continues this vision, celebrating the unique personalities and tender moments of Montana’s wildlife.

For Karen, painting is about more than creating a piece—it’s about capturing a feeling. This collection allowed her to embrace new techniques, larger formats, and the vibrancy of acrylics, adding an energy that evolved the emotional impact of her work. As Karen puts it, “Painting big means bigger smiles, bigger googly eyes, bigger ears, and no need for me to wear glasses!” Through this exhibition, she invites viewers to notice the small joys in life. Each piece is a reminder to celebrate the beauty of our world, and Karen hopes her work resonates so deeply that it becomes something viewers want to connect with and cherish always.

Looking Ahead

As Karen continues to explore her artistic voice, the "Feather and Fur" exhibition marks an exciting turning point in her journey. Moving forward, she is eager to build on the creative momentum sparked by this collection, delving further into the world of acrylics and large-format works. These new dimensions have given her the freedom to experiment and bring even more personality and vibrancy to her subjects, and she’s just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible.

Karen looks forward to continuing to capture the unique quirks and expressions of her animals, but most importantly, she remains dedicated to her goal of creating art that resonates with people, offering viewers joy, connection, and love. Whether it's through further exhibitions or entirely new projects, Karen has endless possibilities ahead. This collection is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in her work, and she can't wait to see where it leads. 

Join Us for This Special Exhibition

"Feather and Fur" will debut at Cassens Fine Art with an artist reception on February 7th. This event offers an opportunity to meet Karen Savory in person and hear more about the inspiration behind her latest work. The exhibition will remain on display throughout February, offering visitors the chance to experience Karen Savory’s joyful creations in person. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Karen’s work or discovering her art for the first time, don’t miss the chance to explore this delightful collection and celebrate the wonder and emotion of Karen's amazing critters.

Artist Reception: Friday, february 7th, 5–7 PM