Karen earned a degree in Commercial Art and Layout from Lansing Community College. She then did graphic freelance work while living in California. This experience helps with design and composition for her paintings. While in California she took classes in watercolor at California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. She has also studied in watermedia workshops. Critique sessions continue to challenge and sharpen her skills. She explores water media and sculpting while cultivating her own style.
In her paintings, Karen incorporates meaning, conflict, personal convictions, and emotion. Recently, ceramics and sculpting in clay have captured her attention. Writing poetry and painting the poem is a favorite method for her to express an idea. On special occasions she has presented her artwork while performing dramatic readings of her poetry.
Galleries and Venues
- Synchonicity, Glen Arbor, Michigan
- Lansing Art Gallery, Lansing, Michigan
- Mid-Michigan Physician Medical Building, Lansing, MI
- Shiawasee Arts Council Gallery, Owosso, MI 48867
Exhibits and Events
- Oliver Art Center, Frankfort MI, Solo Pop-up Exhibit 2019
- Michigan Watercolor Society Travel Exhibit, 2015
- Birmingham Bloomfield Art center, BBAC MFAC May, 2014
- “Painted Poetry” solo-exhibit, Riverview Church, Holt, MI
- International Society of Acrylic Painters (ISAP) Exhibition
- ISEA-international Society of Experimental Artists
- Juror of the Mid-Michigan Art Guild 12 x 12 show at Absolute Gallery
- Michigan Watercolor Society, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
- Birmingham Bloomfield Art center, BBAC MFAC May, 2011
- Celebration of the Arts, Spiritual Art Competition in Grand Rapids, MI
- 2010 Dubois, Wyoming, SKB mini art exhibit-1st Place Acrylic
- Spiritual Art Competition Celebration of the Arts in Grand Rapids
- NWS all-member show; San Pedro, California
- Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan Watercolor Society
- Personal Show at Hope Borbas Okemos Library
- Exhibited at Ella Sharp Museum, Michigan Watercolor Society in Muskegon
- Lansing Community College purchased a painting through the “Art work on Campus” program.
- Friends of the Library exhibit at Hope Borbas Okemos Library
- Michigan State University Art Show
- Okemos Art Fair
Awards
- ISEA- International Society of Experimental Art Nautilus Award 2019
- Michigan Watercolor Society Members Memorial Award
- 4th Place, Spiritual Art Exhibit for “Whatever” Grand Rapids, MI
- Venus Studios Merchandise Certificate Award -ISAP for “Living High”
- Golden Material Award -ISAP Exhibit for “New York Cowboy”
- Creative Catalyst Productions Award -ISAP Signature online exhibit for “Calligraffiti III: Boy”
- First place Susan K Black mini art Exhibit Acrylic for “Boat II”
- 4th Place, Spiritual Art Exhibit for “The Great Exchange,” Grand Rapids, MI
- First place in the Mid-Michigan Art Guild Exhibit for “Old Delhi”
Memberships
- International Society of Acrylic painters ISAP (signature)
- National Watercolor Society NWS (associate)
- Michigan Watercolor Society
- International Society of Experimental Artists ISEA (signature)
Education
- Commercial Art and Layout Degree from Lansing Community College
- California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, CA: watercolor classes
- Workshops and private lessons