When Virginia Living magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Madeline Mayhood reached out to me to identify some artists who inspire me and whose work I love, I didn’t have to look far. Some of my faves have studios in my own neck of the woods of Albemarle County, which makes for a rich stew in which to live and work. The cross pollination of ideas is real and informs us, just as the landscape or the clay that comes from it informs our paintings or sculptures.—Karen Blair

Editor’s Note: If you have an interest in art, meet Karen Blair. She’s a wildly talented and accomplished painter, known for her large canvases full of color. You can’t have a bad day if you’re lucky enough to spot a Karen Blair, let alone own one. Peruse her work at Warm Springs Gallery in Bath County, Bond Millen Gallery in Richmond, or on her website. KarenBlairArtist.com
Christen Yates lives with her husband, four school-aged children, a flock of hens, some goats, and a rescue dog—a recipe for chaos if there ever was one. Not so! Her gentle, contemplative work shows an inner peace and affinity for the timelessness of the landscape. Yates captures her surrounding mountains and fields, and occasionally animals, with economy and assurance. Anyone who needs to be reminded that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world can find it in these paintings. ChristenYates.com


Abby Kasonik is known for her ethereal paintings that grace many collections around Virginia, but her latest gig is making whimsical, functional pieces from clay. My wish list includes one of her Louise tables to elevate my nightly glass of wine. Kasonik’s lamps, mirrors, and tables are one-of-a-kind pieces that allow us to choose from a range of colored glazes to enliven the work. If you want to gild the lily of a lamp, consider adding a Fermoie lampshade from The Shade Shop in Charlottesville. They’re out of this world! AbbyKasonik.com, TheShadeShop.com



Sarah Trundle is fearless. I have no doubt that she was that friend in high school who would accept any dare. Her paintings are lessons in learning not to doubt oneself. Trundle attacks her canvases with bold strokes of bright color or slashes of black; no gray or beige need apply. She moves from still life to abstraction to portraiture and back again with ease. Her portraits are in-your-face and dare you to turn away, but you often can’t because you are laughing so hard at the essential truths of these works. If you have ever told yourself to “lighten up,” then you need one of Sarah’s paintings. SarahTrundle.com



This article originally appeared in the December 2024 issue.