Karen Gillis Taylor

Karen Gillis Taylor is a painter whose work blends imaginative composition with a deep exploration of color. Though classically trained in realism, she was continually drawn to the images emerging in her sketchbooks—visions shaped more by imagination than direct observation. Over time, those inner landscapes became the heart of her artistic practice.

Karen is fascinated by the emotional power of color and how it can evoke a sense of wonder or memory in the viewer. While often described as “bright,” her color palettes are rooted in the natural world, where she finds both inspiration and balance. For every vivid hue on her canvas, she layers in quieter tones and subtle neutrals, creating harmony and depth. The joy of painting, for her, comes from this dynamic interplay—watching colors reflect and respond as the work evolves.

Influenced by Albert Einstein’s belief that “the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious,” Karen aims to leave space in her paintings for the viewer’s imagination. Whether evoking a dreamlike village or an abstract cityscape, her work invites personal reflection and discovery. She views each painting not only as a finished piece but as a shared journey—one that begins in the artist’s mind and continues in the experience of those who encounter it.