ABOUT KAREN SWYERS

Art has been my lifelong passion. Through my work, I aim to capture the beauty of the natural world, especially flowers because they bring joy to me and to others. 

I’ve recently started working with natural earth pigments, and I love how grounded the process feels. Mixing colors by hand reminds me that art doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be true to what you're paying attention to.

I’m captivated by Piero della Francesca's light created by the chipped surfaces on ancient frescoes. There’s a quiet presence in those worn walls—like something eternal peeking through. I feel something similar when painting flowers: specks of color and light hidden in delicate places, asking to be seen. I also return often to Paula Modersohn-Becker, particularly the backlighting in her portraits. The glow behind her figures feels humble and transcendent—a light not just around things, but within them.

Whether I’m working large or small, my goal is the same: to create paintings that invite a quiet kind of joy—and maybe even make you pause and look a little longer.For those who live with my work, I hope it brings a feeling of lightness, of calm, or of being gently rooted. These paintings carry the quiet energy of the natural world into your home—reminding you to breathe, to notice, and to feel something soft and alive.

I offer commissioned artwork tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Whether it's a special occasion or a gift, I work closely with clients to create custom pieces that tell a story.