Inside Karen Sachs’s Home Studio and her Creative Methods

Something is comforting about stepping into an artist’s space and seeing where their ideas take shape, and that feeling is at the heart of this studio visit with Karen Sachs.

Her apartment serves as both her home and her creative world, and from the moment you walk in, you can sense how naturally the two blend together. The smell of paint and oil pastels lingers in the air, mixed with the fresh breeze that comes through her sliding glass door. During this conversation, Karen sits with the interviewer and talks openly about how she works, how she sets up her space, and what helps her settle into the rhythm of making art.

She describes the entryway lined with her own paintings, the living room that doubles as her studio, and the table where she paints, cuts glass, and plays with color. She shares how she keeps her supplies close, why she works on one piece at a time, how the light shifts her mood, and how she listens to her instincts more than any plan. The interview feels like being welcomed into her world for a little while, watching her talk through the way she creates and how her art grows right alongside her everyday life.

Karen Sachs is a contemporary artist whose work is a vibrant journey into the soul, self-discovery, and the boundless realm of imagination. From the moment she first touched brush to canvas, her world transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, texture, and emotion. With a foundation rooted in the expressive power of colour, Karen creates art that speaks to the hidden corners of the human experience, the wisdom of animals, and the breathtaking beauty of nature. Her artistic repertoire spans painting, glass mosaic, and oil pastels—each medium offering a unique way to connect with the world and reveal its more profound truths.

1. Can you walk us through your studio space? What’s the first thing you see when you walk in?

I don’t have a conventional art studio—I live and breathe with my art in my apartment. When I walk in, I’m greeted by a small entryway adorned with my own colourful paintings, setting the tone for what’s to come. The heart of my creative world is the large living room, which doubles as my studio. It’s filled with canvases, glass mosaics, oil pastels, and all the joyful chaos of creation. Visitors often say it feels like stepping into a gallery, and I love that. It’s a space where art isn’t just made—it’s lived in.

2. How is the space arranged to support the way you like to work on a painting from start to finish?  

My creative process is fluid, so my space reflects that. I don’t use an easel much—instead, I work from a large table that gives me room to spread out and move freely. It’s where I sketch, paint, cut glass, and blend pastels. The table is surrounded by shelves and carts filled with supplies, so everything I need is within reach. I love being able to shift between mediums without having to reset my space. The natural light from the windows fills the room, energizing me and bringing out the vibrancy in my colors. It’s a space that invites experimentation and play, which is precisely how I like to work.

3.   What materials or tools do you keep closest to you while working?  

All my materials are within arm’s reach—I like to be surrounded by possibility. But the tool I rely on most is my own hands. There’s something deeply intuitive about painting with my fingers; it connects me directly to the canvas and the emotion behind each piece. I especially love working with oil pastels—the way they blend under my fingertips feels like sculpting color. Brushes have their place, but for me, the tactile experience of creating is essential. It’s messy, it’s personal, and it’s where the magic happens.

4.   Are there certain books, film stills, or notes that stay in the studio as part of your process?  

Not really—I don’t keep specific books or film stills around. My inspiration tends to come from more spontaneous sources. I often work from photos shared by friends or ones I find in magazines. I’ve never considered myself a great photographer, so I rely on images that already capture a certain depth or emotion. I also search the internet when I need a spark—sometimes a single image can unlock a whole new idea. When it comes to my abstract work, though, it’s an entirely different process. Those pieces come straight from my intuition, my gut, my emotions. They’re not planned or referenced—they’re felt. It’s like diving into a current and letting it carry me wherever it wants to go.

5.   How do you usually keep track of ideas as they move from your journals into the canvas?  

Oh dear—this is where I break the rules a bit! I did learn the traditional approach: sketch first, then do color studies, plan everything out. But over time, I’ve let that go. My process now is much more intuitive. I don’t rely heavily on journals or formal planning. Instead, I trust my hands to lead the way. There’s a kind of wisdom in letting go and allowing the creative energy to flow freely. When I start a piece, it’s less about executing a vision and more about discovering it in the moment. The canvas becomes a space for exploration, emotion, and instinct.

6. What does a typical day in this studio look like for you?

Honestly, there’s no such thing as a “typical” day in my studio. I work full-time and run my art business, Paint Your Essence, so my creative time is woven into the rhythm of my life. I don’t always get to make art every day, but when the energy is flowing and inspiration strikes, I dive in. Some days begin with clearing space—physically and mentally. I might start by decluttering my art supplies, which somehow opens up room not just on the table, but in my mind. Once I feel that openness, I let my hands take over. Whether I’m painting, blending oil pastels, or arranging glass pieces, it’s all about following the feeling. My process isn’t rigid—it’s responsive, intuitive, and joyful. Every creative moment feels like a gift.

7.  How does the light in this space change the way you approach a painting?

I genuinely wish I had more natural light—it makes such a difference. When the sunlight pours in, it not only lifts my spirits but also transforms my perspective on my work. I have a large sliding glass door in my living room studio, and I keep the curtain open almost 24/7 to let in as much light and fresh energy as possible. It’s my connection to the outside world, and it helps me feel more alive and inspired. I also use lamps near my work table to brighten the space when natural light fades. The way light interacts with color—especially in my mosaics and oil pastels—can shift the entire mood of a piece. It’s like the light becomes a collaborator, helping me see new possibilities and guiding the direction of the painting.

8.  Do you have works in progress visible around the room, or do you prefer to focus on one piece at a time?  

I’m a one-piece-at-a-time kind of artist. I like to give each work my full attention, letting it unfold organically without distractions. For me, it’s about being present with the piece—feeling where it wants to go and allowing myself to follow. Once I finish, I clear the space and prepare for the following creative conversation. It’s a rhythm that works for me, especially with everything else I juggle. Each artwork gets its own moment to breathe.

9. Is there a spot in the studio where you usually pause to step back and look at the work differently?  

I don’t have a designated spot for stepping back, but I do have a method that works well for me—I take photos of my work in progress. Seeing the piece through a camera lens gives me a fresh perspective. It helps me notice things I might miss while I’m up close, like areas that need more balance, color adjustments, or subtle changes. It’s a simple trick, but it’s become an essential part of my process. Sometimes, that little shift in viewpoint is all I need to decide what comes next.

10. If you get a chance to set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Oh dear—this is one I love to dream about! I’ve always imagined taking my art on the road, exploring new places, and letting the landscapes guide my creativity. I remember biking through Holland and thinking, I could paint here forever, surrounded by open fields and endless skies. That moment stuck with me. I’ve also been drawn to the idea of art retreats or creative experiences abroad. Ireland, in particular, has stayed in my heart ever since I first learned about an art experience there. The idea of painting in a place so rich with history, nature, and soul feels like a dream waiting to come true. Wherever I go, I want my studio to be a space that breathes with inspiration—whether it’s a cozy corner in my apartment or a windswept hillside in another country.

Karen’s studio feels warm, lived-in, and full of quiet energy. Since it’s part of her apartment, it offers the comfort of home, mixed with the buzz of a space where ideas are always ready to happen. The living room is open and colourful, with canvases leaning against the walls and supplies gathered around her main table. Nothing feels stiff or overly arranged. Instead, it has the easy feeling of a place where someone works with their hands and isn’t afraid to get a little messy.

There’s a soft smell of paint and pastels in the air, and the light from the sliding glass door gives the room a gentle lift. It feels like a space where you can breathe, sit down, and start creating without overthinking. It’s welcoming, warm, and honest, the kind of room that makes you want to stay a while and watch something come to life.

To learn more about Karen, visit the links below.