About Me

---

     As a former pianist and teacher who transitioned to Art after a strained finger forced me from the concert stage I can say that the creative spark finds a way to go on. Just let it burn.

     My Dad, a commercial artist/illustrator had passed on and left me his supplies. I took his signature (Zuk) a shortened version of the family name (Zukoff) and began my journey. After studying various mediums I entered my first art show and won First Place in Oils. A new career was born! I also studied Advertising Art and Design at SUNY and began doing pen & ink renderings for real estate ads, magazine illustrations and pet portraits.

     In addition to my fine art career I worked as Art Director for Aurafin, world's largest jewelry manufacture at the time. I created advertising brochures, jewelry designs and catalogues. 

     After retiring I devoted most of my time to art gallery shows and outdoor venues. Currently, expanding my online presence and growing my new Etsy Shop. 

     I have worked in many mediums and was successful with sales and awards in pastels, watercolor, oils and photography. I have settled on oils as my favorite medium. I like the buttery consistency and the ability to work wet on wet or build up in layers. Oil painting gives you a richness and luminosity that you don't get with any other medium. I have tried acrylics but don't find them as appealing as oils.

     Photography has aways been a part of my creative toolbox and I often use my photographs as the starting point of a painting. 

     Much of my art and photography is featured on products and apparel in my Etsy shop.  For a more complete look at images on products visit the websites listed under "Portfolio".  You can see all of my art and photography on http://www.KarenZukRosenblatt.com.

     If you would like a particular image on a product please contact me and I will set it up for you. Customizing is available as well. Upload your photo(s) in my Etsy shop for a custom order.

     Until about 15 years ago I was painting mostly landscapes and animals. I asked myself what is it that I love to paint and never tire of. The answer was “cats”. I find them truly mesmerizing, magical creatures. I never have far to look for inspiration. Ideas come to me as I watch my own cats and just let my imagination loose as I am continually charmed by them.

     I have always done landscapes, animals (wild and domestic) and pet portraits I soon realized that my love for cats was the constant evolving inspiration for most of my work. I particularly enjoy sharing their beauty, mystery and whimsical nature.

     Although my work is realistic I enjoy adding a bit of humor (realism with a twist). Animals (especially cats) are my favorite subjects and I hope that people who see my work will be inspired to treat them all with kindness and dignity.