Kara Razek is a Bexley-based artist originally from Kansas City, Kansas, who moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1987 to attend the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). She graduated with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 1992. Afterward, she spent five years painting murals and creating faux finishes in homes, restaurants, and nightclubs, all while working as a server.
Following her marriage and the birth of her son, Kara paused her artistic practice to focus on raising her family. Once her son became a teenager and began driving, she returned to her passion for drawing, joining the Urban Sketchers community. It was during this time that she found a mentor in Joe Lombardo, who introduced her to the art of plein-air painting. This rekindled a long-held dream of painting landscapes directly from nature, without the aid of photographs—an experience she had first encountered in high school.
Kara’s approach to painting is primarily alla prima—working quickly and intuitively, with no rigid routine. Her work is rooted in realism, but she embraces experimentation and the freedom to explore new techniques. As a member of a vibrant group of plein-air artists, Kara enjoys painting in the city and local parks, sharing both the successes and challenges of the process. Together, they celebrate the diversity of their interpretations, each artist capturing the essence of a scene in their own unique way.
Recently, Kara has expanded her practice to include still-life painting, focusing on florals and fruit. This shift allows her to explore the nuances of oil painting without the constraints of changing light in the outdoor environment. Working in the studio, where she can control lighting for extended periods, has given her a deeper understanding of the medium and allows for a more refined approach to color and form.
Kara’s work continues to evolve as she seeks to balance the immediacy of plein-air painting with the focused study of still life, always driven by a deep curiosity, love of learning and a passion for capturing the world around her.