Artist Spotlight: Karen Haskell

Known for her luminous landscapes and deep connection to the natural beauty of the Sunapee region, Karen Haskell’s work captures moments of calm, light, and emotional resonance. As both a featured artist in CFA’s New London Hospital Microgallery Exhibition and facilitator of the CFA critique group, Karen continues to foster creativity and community throughout the region.

Painter, CFA Critique Facilitator, and Featured Artist in the New London Hospital Microgallery Exhibition

“My art probably will not change your life, but it might make you pause and remember that there is beauty all around us.”

We recently sat down with Karen to talk about artistic process, creative community, inspiration, and the role art can play in healing and human connection.

Q: Your work has a distinct visual language—how would you describe your artistic practice, and what continues to inspire it?

A: My art leans toward realism with an impressionistic tone. I try to capture what I see while softening edges and enhancing color to create something more emotional and meaningful. My inspiration comes from everyday beauty in nature — clouds, sunsets, shifting light, shadows, and quiet moments that suddenly feel extraordinary. I often see something and immediately want to get back to the studio to capture it on canvas.

Q: Can you walk us through your creative process—from the first spark of an idea to the moment you know a piece is finished?

A: My creative process begins when I see something I feel compelled to put on canvas. The first step is choosing the right size canvas and sketching a rough draft. Before the brush even touches the surface, I begin mixing my oil paints, making sure the palette feels harmonious and balanced.

Once I begin painting, I block in the major shapes and values before slowly building layers of paint and detail over time. I honestly don’t think a painting is ever fully finished — you simply learn when to stop. I often step away from a piece for a day, take photos of it, and revisit it with fresh eyes. That distance gives me perspective and helps me decide whether the work is truly complete.

Q: What themes, subjects, or questions are you currently exploring in your work?

A: Landscapes are my absolute favorite subject. If you’re ever in the car with me, you know I’m constantly stopping to photograph a beautiful view, sunset, or cloud formation. Lately, I’ve also been branching out into flowers, vegetation, and barns. There’s always something new to learn as an artist, and I enjoy experimenting with different mediums — although oils will always be my true love.

Q: How does living and working in the Sunapee region influence your perspective as an artist?

A: Living in the Sunapee region is truly a gift. The mountains, lakes, fields, farms, open land, and gardens inspire me constantly. I’m rarely without a moment of awe when I’m out in the landscape. This region is rich in both natural beauty and artistic culture, and that deeply shapes my work.

Q: Your CFA critique group has become an important gathering place for artists. What makes constructive critique so valuable to the creative process?

A: Our critique group through the CFA is filled with supportive and thoughtful artists. I was nervous when I first joined because I worried about criticism, but the experience was the complete opposite. The conversations are encouraging, insightful, and incredibly helpful.

Recently, I brought in a painting I loved, but I knew something wasn’t working. Through the critique process, the issue was identified, and with just a few small changes, the painting suddenly came alive. I would encourage any artist to participate in critique. The shared knowledge and perspective can make all the difference in your work.

Q: What have you learned from facilitating conversations and critiques with other artists over the years?

A: One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how generous artists can be with their knowledge and support. Last year I spoke with two painters who had mastered painting birch trees — something I’m still working on myself — and their insight taught me so much. Artists truly learn from one another, and those shared conversations can be incredibly inspiring and valuable.

Q: Many artists struggle with self-doubt or knowing when to push through challenges. What helps you stay engaged when a piece isn’t working?

A: Every artist experiences moments when a piece simply isn’t working. Usually, I put the painting away for a few days. I’ll photograph it, study what I like and don’t like, and sometimes even place it upside down on the easel to better evaluate the values and composition.

Interestingly, some of those difficult paintings eventually become favorites. I think the important thing is not striving for perfection, but creating work that honestly reflects who you are as an artist. Your work should represent your voice and your style.

Q: What role has the Center for the Arts played in your own artistic journey and sense of creative community?

A: The CFA has been such an important part of my artistic journey. It creates opportunities for artists and the community through classes, critiques, exhibitions, and programs like the New London Hospital Microgallery.

I also started a monthly Artist Drop-In through the CFA for people who simply love to create. It’s become a supportive and welcoming environment where artists can connect, encourage one another, and share ideas. The CFA is deeply committed to the arts, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have it in this region.

Q: For someone encountering your work for the first time, what do you hope they notice, feel, or take away from the experience?

A: My greatest hope is that people connect emotionally with the work and love the painting as much as I loved creating it. Every piece I paint begins with something I personally feel drawn to or inspired by.

I hope viewers experience a sense of calm, joy, or reflection when they spend time with the work.

"Recently, I received a message from an emergency room nurse who told me one of my paintings at the New London Hospital gallery became her quiet place after difficult shifts. Eventually, that painting found its forever home with her."

That experience reminded me of the incredible power art can have in people’s lives.

Q: Why do programs like the CFA critique group and Microgallery matter for artists and for the broader cultural life of this region?

A: I think every artist struggles at times with uncertainty in their work, and critique offers guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. That kind of support is invaluable.

The Microgallery exhibitions are equally important because they create opportunities for artists to share and sell their work while also bringing art into public spaces. The New London Hospital gallery, in particular, brings comfort and joy to patients, visitors, and staff. As co-coordinator of the gallery, I hear comments all the time about how meaningful the artwork is to people.

Q: How has being involved with the Center for the Arts shaped your growth as an artist and added value to your creative life?

A: Being involved with the CFA has been both educational and deeply rewarding personally. It has introduced me to an incredible community of artists who share encouragement, friendship, and enthusiasm for creativity.

Every artist needs a support system, and the CFA provides that for so many people in the Sunapee region. It’s a tremendous asset not only for artists, but for the entire community.

ARTIST DROP-IN WITH KAREN HASKELL

Held every third Wednesday from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at 428 Main Street in New London

Karen’s monthly Artist Drop-In invites CFA Guild members to gather for a relaxed morning of creativity, conversation, and artistic exchange. Bring your favorite materials and enjoy working alongside fellow artists in a welcoming community setting.

JOIN THE DROP-IN