"Cheetah Over the Bridge" by Karen Hoepting at Smith Galleries

"Cheetah Over the Bridge" by Karen Hoepting at Smith Galleries, a photo by Smith Galleries on Flickr.

The art of Karen Hoepting is continually featured at Smith Galleries on Hilton Head Island, SC. The gallery features contemporary American fine craft, art, jewelry, picture framing and creative toys for children. Smith Galleries is located in suite J-II (UPSTAIRS) in the Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Call 800.272.3870 to purchase or for additional information. Visit Smith Galleries on the web at www.smithgalleries.com

"Cheetah Over the Bridge" is an original mixed media painting on paper by Karen Hoepting. The image measures 12 x 24 inches. Inventory # 144438. You may contact Smith Gallereis at 800.272.3870 for further information. Shown with virtual frame.

Karen obtained her Honors Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts from University of Waterloo in 1997. Her studio work at that time was divided between working with drawing mediums on paper and with acrylics or oils on canvas. Today, she combines her media together working on both canvas and paper creating brilliant, whimsical abstract images that make reference to the animals she loves.
The works of the German Expressionists and the Symbolists have always intrigued Karen. She has always felt emotionally drawn to the vivid and powerful imagery of Kathie Kollwitz, Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. Like some of these artists, Karen speaks to the viewer through symbols and stylistic motifs.


Animals have been reoccurring subjects in Karens work for several years. She grew up on a livestock farm and formed a strong attachment to animals. Today, Karen has two dogs and two cats and is an Ontario Humane Society Volunteer: ""Animals are definitely a passion for me. I feel compassion for all forms of life. Naturally, my feelings about animals [have] transferred into my art."" Her art is an exploration of animals spiritual and natural qualities and how these co-exist with industrial society. Through her primitive yet sophisticated style, she combines abstract elements together to create happy and lighthearted works.

Karen's Thoughts on Life
I believe that everyone has their own unique set of talents/gifts, as well as their own challenges/setbacks. How we cope with these challenges is what defines and evolves us - I always say, no one ever learned anything in good times! Hence that old expression, “worse for wear, but better for the expeience”. I also think that all interactions are meaningful on some level - like we all leave a mark on each other, no matter how small. Therefore, we should try to understand each other, because there is always something to learn.