Originally from New York, Karen found her way to the Midwest for college. After graduating with a degree in Physical Therapy, marriage and children, sheI embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Becoming an artist had been in the back of her mind for many years, but life got in the way of pursuing that dream. Having been creative all her life, painting was something  she hadn’t had the opportunity to experience. A good friend recommended a wonderful watercolor teacher and she was hooked right away. After retirement, she went on to discover the beauty and challenges of the art world, at first in watercolor, then encaustics, pastels and oils. Karen’s passion is still watercolor, specifically botanical art. The other mediums are ways to explore her deeper creativity. 

“Watercolors have become my obsession in recent years, giving me great joy. I am particularly drawn to botanical art, rendering what nature has perfected. I continue to learn the intricacies of this medium, learning from some of the best watercolorists in the world.  Expressing light and dark, details of the plant and exploring the colors nature has done so well, is my never-ending journey. I try to challenge myself with every painting, adding more details, trying new color combinations. Becoming more informed about the Botany of plants and flowers has created a new direction for my work. I love exploring new methods, as well as learning a variety of techniques used by well known botanical artists of the past and present. 

My goals continue to evolve as my skills improve, many have already been met, but I still have a long way to go to reach my greatest potential, whatever that might be.  I hope someone who looks at my paintings is captivated by them.”