In her Florida studio, Karen Schremmer blends traditional and digital techniques to create her rich-with-color mixed media portraits and sculptural works.
The hand-placed rhinestones, resin flowers and high-gloss finish add texture and a touch of glamor.
Artist: Schremmer was born in Chicago, IL, but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She holds a BFA in painting from the University of South Florida.
Schremmer has been creating art for most of her life. After taking a break to work in the medical field, she returned to art full-time about seven years ago, bringing her playful personality to her mixed-media and sculptural style.
She lives in St. Petersburg, FL, where she works out of her home studio.
Art & materials: Mixed-media artworks and sculptural pieces featuring pop-culture icons, fashion-inspired imagery, portraits, and bold, playful statement designs.
Materials include handcrafted wooden panels, clay, acrylic paint, hand-applied crystal rhinestones, which then are sealed with a coat of resin for lasting shine and protection (approximately $1,650 to $9,600).
Process: karenschremmer.com/pages/creative-process
Favorite tools: Rhinestone applicators, clay sculpting tools, precision tweezers and brushes.
Inspirations:
- Pop art.
- Contemporary mixed media.
- Fashion photography.
- Luxury branding.
- Bold color palettes.
- The whimsical energy of childhood nostalgia.
Special commissions:
- Custom rhinestone portraits for private collectors. A client commissioned a portrait to surprise a romantic interest.
- Personalized luxury-themed artworks incorporating clients’ chosen objects. One client sent a Marine’s medal, which Schremmer made a mold of, cast, and painted so it could be included in the artwork without damaging the original.
- Other clients have sent dog tags from pets that have passed and items they collected during Mardi Gras.
Recent project: New series of rhinestone-encrusted sculptural works and pop-culture portraits.
What’s new: Exhibiting at Spectrum Miami during Miami Art Week. Dec. 3–7.
Where to buy:
- karenschremmer.com.
- Also at international and domestic galleries. See a list at the artist’s website.
Connect:
- Instagram: @karenschremmerart
- TikTok: @karenschremmerart
