News Articles and Releases
Last Modified 7-25-08
New Exhibit at Zoot Gallery
An exhibit of artwork by Bozeman artist Kathleen Karlsen is now available for viewing at Zoot Enterprises Gallery. This is Karlsen's largest exhibit to date, consisting of twenty-two paintings from 2003 to the present. The selected paintings include many examples of her colorful florals and landscapes in her innnovative sculptural impasto style.
In addition, this exhibit introduces a recent series of ten large abstract paintings inspired by images from the Hubble telescope. These paintings consist of multiple layers of thin acrylic washes that capture the immense depth of the universe. The endless variations in light and color create created by cosmic gases and other universal phenomenon lend themselves well to these flow-style abstractions.
Karlsen has described her work as intimate portraits of nature. Through this new series of paintings, she has extended her artistic vision to include natural phenomenon that would normally remain unseen by the unaided human eye. Her artistic interpretation of the amazing vision of the universe provided by Hubble telescope adds a new level of dramatic impact to her current exhibit.
A reception for the artist will be held on Friday, March 28 from 5-8pm at Zoot Headquarters. Refreshments and live music will be provided. For more information, contact Darcy Barry, Zoot Marketing Coordinator at 556-8930 or the artist at 552-7166. The exhibit will continue through the end of June, with gallery viewing hours from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
More of Karlsen's work can be seen online at www.kathleenkarlsen.com and www.livingartsoriginals.com. Karlsen's work is also on display in Bozeman at Infusion Gallery in the Emerson and in Livingston at Paradise Art Works Gallery."
Bozeman Music Arts Center features the work of Katheen Karlsen
The Bozeman Music Arts Center, located at 19 N. 10 th Avenue, is featuring an exhibit of thirteen pieces of art by contemporary impressionist Kathleen Karlsen. This exhibit features a wide range of motifs including gardenscapes, wildflowers, landscapes and a number of miniature works. All work is for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Music Arts Center. The purpose of this exhibit is to offer art that is appropriate in size and theme for display over a piano or in a music room.
Kathleen Karlsen has been a part-time piano teacher and member of the Bozeman Music Arts Center since 1997. Karlsen also teaches elementary art at Middle Creek Montessori Elementary School. Karlsen holds a bachelor’s degree in studio art and a master’s degree in art with supporting studies in music and philosophy.
Karlsen’s vibrant art is characterized by bright, clear colors and abundant texture. Karlsen’s work can also be seen at Infusion Gallery in the Emerson Cultural Center, at Paradise Art Works Gallery in Livingston or online at www.livingartsoriginals.com.
The best time to view artwork at the Bozeman Music Arts Center is during after-school hours Monday-Friday. Viewing appointments can also be made by calling Kathleen at 522-7166 or emailing at kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.
This Week Magazine, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, November 23, 2007
New Work on Display at Leaf and Bean on 19th Street
Contemporary impressionist Kathleen Karlsen, best known for her colorful florals and sculptural impasto technique, will be displaying a selection of her recent works at the new Leaf and Bean located at 1500 N. 19 th Avenue during the months of September and October.
Karlsen holds a bachelor’s degree in studio art and a master’s degree in art from California State University. Karlsen has been teaching both art and music in Bozeman for the past eleven years and has been showing her art in galleries and other local venues continuously for the last four years.
Karlsen’s emphasis on both color and texture creates joyful, vibrant images that have proven to have an appeal to both adults and children. Karlsen is happy to count a number of children among her local collectors and always includes affordable, miniature size pieces in her displays. All of the paintings on exhibit are for sale.
More of Karlsen’s work can be seen at www.livingartsoriginals.com. Visits to her studio and gallery can be arranged by calling 522-7166 or emailing kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.
This Week Magazine, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, September 7, 2007
Flying Art at the Flying C
August brings a Botanical Group Show to the Flying C, with works by Kreta Chandler, Nicole Rae Greer, Kathleen Karlsen and Aimee Gustafson. Reflecting the abundance in our gardens this time of year, this show highlights four artists: two painters and two photographers. Each approaches their medium in strikingly different ways. Join us for an opening reception on Thursday, August 2 from 5 to 7 for snacks, drinks and paper flowe making for children and adults.
Impressionist offers kids' classes
Contemporary impressionist Kathleen Karlsen, best known for her colorful florals and highly textured paintings, is offering a series of classes for children on Friday mornings in her home studio at 311 N. 18th Ave. These classes will teach fine art crafts including hand painted mirrors, miniature art and hand painted treasure boxes.
The classses are limited to six students each and are offered for two age groups: 3-6 years (9:30-11:00am) and 7-12 years (11:00am-12:30pm). Hand Painted Mirrors will be taught on July 6th and 27th; Miniature Art will be taught on July 13th and August 10th; and Hand Painted Treasure Boxes will be taught on July 20th and August 17th. All materials are provided at each class. Art shirts are recommended. Class fees include $10 for tuition and $5 for materials.
Kathleen Karlsen has eleven years of experience in creative arts teaching and has taught art at both the preschool and elementary levels. She holds a master’s degree in art from California State University. Kathleen is also the mother of five children and expects the classes to lively and fun for children of all ages.
Kathleen has shown her own art in galleries and other venues in the local area for the last three years as well as in exhibits in Idaho and Virginia. Kathleen’s work can be seen at www.livingartsoriginals.com. For more information about the children’s art classes or to register, please call 522-7166 or email kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle, June 2007
Florals on display
Bozeman artist Kathleen Karlsen is exhibiting her floral paintings at the International Coffee Traders, 720 S 10 th Ave St., during the months of June, July and August. Karlsen’s work is in a contemporary impressionist style and emphasizes texture as well as clear, bright colors. Karlsen’s central focus is on conveying vibrancy and joy through her choice of subject matter and techniques.
This exhibit features a large painting of a field of marigolds entitled “Meadow of Gold” as well as smaller paintings of sweet peas, bluebells, poppies, roses and Indian paintbrush wildflowers. Karlsen is also known for her miniature paintings in sizes from 3x4” to 8x10”. A number of these miniatures are included in the current exhibit. All of the paintings on exhibit are for sale. New works will be rotated into the exhibit periodically throughout the summer. For more information about Karlsen’s art, please visit www.livingartsoriginals.com.
This Week Magazine, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, June 8, 2007
Art Class with Kathleen Karlsen
The Art of Flowers workshop with Kathleen Karlsen from 1-4pm. Class includes a presentation on the history of floral art and flower symbolism, demonstrations of Kathleen’s unique impasto style and hands-on work by participants. Learn to paint some of the most popular garden flowers and wildflowers: marigolds, daisies, bluebells, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush and Montana bitterroots. Materials provided for the completion of one 8x10” painting. Kathleen’s floral art and other work can be seen at www.livingartsoriginals.com. Class fee is $30, plus $6 for materials. Class limited to six participants. Call 522-7166 for more information or to register.
The exhibit will continue through the month of June. Karlsen's work may also be seen in an ongoing exhibit at Chadz, 104 N. Main St., in Livingston.
Karlsen's miniature art and fine art gift items are available online at www.uniquefineartgifts.com.Her larger works can be found at www.livingartsoriginals.com.
This Week Magazine, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, June 2, 2006
The Healing Power of Symbolic Art: A lecture by Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Healing art is the use of art to speed recovery rates, lower blood pressure and balance functions in the body. Researchers are now documenting the therapeutic value of intentionally chosen art in indoor environments. A major aspect of the therapeutic value of art is due to the symbolism inherent in the subjects depicted. Subjects such as trees, mountains and rivers can be symbols of comfort and healing.
This lecture by Kathleen Karlsen will be given at 6:30pm May 6, 2006 at the NEU Celebration, Best Western Inn, Livingston MT.
NEU Celebration Program Guide, May 2006
Featured Artist Kathleen Karlsen
Acrylic and oil paintings by Kathleen Karlsen are on display this winter in the library. Her vibrant florals, landscapes and abstracts emphasize texture as well as color. She has studied the psychological and emotional aspects of art and has information about healing art on her new website. Karlsen lives in Bozeman with her husband and five children.
Check It Out! Bozeman Public Library News, March 2006
Karlsen shows work in Bozeman Public Library
The Bozeman Public Library is currently showing oils and acrylics by Kathleen Karlsen. Karlsen paints colorful florals, forest scenes and landscapes in a unique impasto style. Her technique involves thickening paints with gels and mediums and using palette knives to achieve a high level of texture and sculptural effects. The exhibit will run from February-April. Karlsen’s work may also be seen at Chadz in Livingston or online at www.karlsenfineart.com.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle, February 2006
International Coffee Traders Shows Karlsen's Art
The International Coffee Traders, 720 S. 10 th Ave., will feature the florals and landscape paintings of Bozeman artist Kathleen Karlsen beginning in mid-October.
Karlsen’s colorful art is characterized by sculptural textures and multi-dimensional layering. Karlsen’s images are unabashedly joyful, reflecting her belief that the purpose of art is to energize and inspire the viewer. Thus, her art combines the beauty of the natural world with an other-worldly brilliance and idealized compositions.
This three-month exhibit will include both miniatures and larger works.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle, October 2005

Florals and Landscapes on display
Bozeman artists Andrew and Kathleen Karlsen are exhibiting their floral and landscape paintings at the Leaf and Bean, 35 W. Main St., during the months of August and September.
Andrew Karlsen is a landscape artist inspired by the dramatic vistas of both America and his native country of Norway.
Kathleen Karlsen specializes in colorful, whimsical florals. Her impasto technique emphasizes texture as well as clear, bright colors. In this exhibit she is introducing a series of small and miniature works.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle, August 2005
Karlsen Featured at Wellspring Institute
Kathleen Karlsen of Bozeman was recently selected as the solo artist for the inaugural art exhibit at the Wellspring Institute in Emigrant, Montana.
Karlsen’s contemporary florals and colorful landscapes are created with a sculptural impasto technique in both oils and acrylics that results in a unique 3-D effect.
Karlsen strives to create images that reach a step beyond the physical and extend into the realm of the imagination. Many viewers have likened the otherworldly feel of her art to the descriptions of gardens and nature given by those who have had near-death experiences.
Due to her interest in the impact of the visual arts on human wellness, Karlsen has studied both the emotional and psychological aspects of art extensively. While completing her master’s degree through California State University, she researched the positive impacts of art in healthcare, educational, residential and corporate settings.
Karlsen’s work will be on display in the lobby of the Wellspring Institute, located at 2894 Hwy 89 South, through January 5, 2005 from 9am-5:30pm Mon-Fri and 9am-2pm on Saturday.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle, October 2004
Keller-Williams Host Benefit Art Show
The 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams is currently showing the work of painter Joan Soderland, stained-glass artist Shelby Bowen, painter Kathleen Karlsen, and photographer Robert Dooley. Ten percent of proceeds from artwork sold is donated to Habitat for Humanity. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.
The Hook, Charlottesville, VA September 2004
Kathleen Karlsen selected as featured artist for multimedia early learning program
Kathleen Karlsen has been selected as a featured artist in a new early learning multimedia series currently being produced by The Soul Learning Company. Images of ten oil paintings by Karlsen will appear in the series.
Karlsen’s contemporary floral art, characterized by vibrant, clear colors and sculptural textures, has been influenced by her studies of scientific research on the impact of art on human wellness.
Since floral images have been shown to reduce both emotional and physiological stress, Karlsen’s work fits well with the early learning program’s emphasis on relaxation and right brain enrichment.
Additional work by Karlsen can be seen during a studio open house on Sunday, October 17 th from 2-5pm, by appointment or at www.karlsenfineart.com. Karlsen Fine Art is located at 311 N. 18th Avenue, Bozeman, 522-7166.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle, August 2004
Delaney and Karlsen at Paradise Artworks
Paradise Artworks Gallery and Framing, in Livingston, will be hosting an art show with local Bozeman artists Lisa Delaney and Kathleen Karlsen. The show will run through the month of July beginning with an artists’ reception on Friday, June 25th from 6 to 9 pm.
While both artists work in oil, Delaney and Karlsen have very different styles. Delaney specializes in plein air landscapes and has captured many of the area’s most scenic views in her paintings, such as the Bridger Mountains, the Gallatin River and Emigrant Peak. Karlsen uses a unique impasto or textured approach in her work and creates brightly colored garden scenes which feature a wide variety of delicately shaped flowers.
At the May Exhibition of the Montana Institute of the Arts in Bozeman both Delaney and Karlsen received awards. Famed local western artist and show judge Larry Zabel awarded first place to Delaney for her painting titled "Calm Spot on the Gallatin" and Karlsen received fourth place honors for her painting "Out of My Window in the Morning." Both of these works will be on display during the show.
Paradise Artworks is located at 223 South Main Street in Livingston. The public is invited to attend the show and reception free of charge, held in conjunction with the Livingston Gallery Association art walk. Live piano music and refreshments will be served.
This Week Magazine, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, June 2004
Back to Top