Themes in new show include Blackland Prairie

By Andrea Lamarsaude

Art on Main presents Wander: Explorations, Real and Imagined, a solo exhibition by Dallas-based artist Karen Vanderpool-Haerle, on view through March 7.  An Opening Reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 from 6–9 p.m. Refreshments will be served). A Closing Reception will take place Saturday, March 7 from 1:30–3:30 p.m.  

Wander explores places both real and imagined through a series of paintings and ceramics that reflect wandering as an act of discovery, exploration and creative process. The exhibition carries the concept of wandering from the trail into the studio, where movement through physical landscapes parallels movement through ideas, materials and forms.  

For Vanderpool-Haerle, wandering becomes a practice of freedom and spontaneity — an open-ended exploration of space that unfolds through the gestures of painting and the shaping of sculpture. Layered color, geometric relationships and striking harmonies evolve to describe the world as she experiences it.  

“I am predominantly an observational painter,” says Vanderpool-Haerle, “but I observe in order to change it — to create an emotional response to the landscape. I want to paint more than I see: the wind, the sun, the changing light.”  

 Currently, the artist is exploring themes of ecological renewal, particularly the rejuvenation of the Blackland Prairie and the delicate balance of grasses, trees, clouds and pollinators. Her work examines how natural elements coexist, adapt and maintain equilibrium within the environment.  

Both classically and self-trained, Vanderpool-Haerle holds an MA in Biomedical Communication/Medical Illustration from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a BA from Austin College. Her diverse background informs her precise draftsmanship, layered compositions and dynamic color relationships. When not in the studio, she draws inspiration from hiking, kayaking and exploring coastal and prairie landscapes, including New Mexico, Maine and North Texas.  

“Karen’s work embodies the spirit of exploration,” says Andrea Lamarsaude, founder of Art on Main. 

“Wander invites viewers to slow down, move through space with intention, and consider both the physical landscapes around us and the imaginative landscapes within us.”  

Art on Main is located at 4428 Main Street, Suite 200 in Dallas. Visit artonmaindallas.com for more information.