For the past 10 years, Karla Mann’s photorealistic artwork has focused on wildlife, stemming from her love of nature and the animal kingdom. She elaborates,
“I believe it is very important to be aware of the world of nature and the outdoors that surround us, because without it, we humans would cease to exist. The underlying themes of all my work are wildlife, fur and feather, and the natural habitat and landscape surrounding them.”
Who’s Following Me, oil, 12 x 12”
Deep in the Forest with Mom, oil, 11 x 14”Being someone who likes to stay true to her subjects, Mann uses photographs of the animals in their habitats and accurately reproduces the image. “In order to create an image realistically, knowledge of the subject is essential,” she says. “It requires researching the anatomy and the habit of the subject. The mastery of light is essential for
creating mood. I paint in oils and incorporate the use of glazes to enhance shadows and enrich areas of the painting to develop depth and dimension.”Aiding in her knowledge of the subject are annual trips that Mann takes to places such as wildlife refuges, national parks and beaches. There she takes her photographs, and then back in the studio adds in different backgrounds or elements using photo-editing software to get the ideal composition. Once the image is set, she moves on to translating it to her surface.
“As an artist, I strive to create paintings that will give the viewer a glimpse into the world of nature that they may not have had the opportunity to normally explore,” Mann explains. “I admire the work of the Old Masters, their use of light and feeling in their paintings. I aspire to create the same perception in my artwork.” —
Discovered by the Sun, oil, 8 x 8”
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