Art has always  been a part of Karen's life, having grown up around paint.  Her parents owned a sign company in Southern California where as a young child she watched her father design and hand letter billboards, showcards and vehicles.   Prismacolor pencils, gold leaf, hammers and paintbrushes were her toys down at “the shop”. 

Karen studied drawing and painting at California State University at Fullerton, then veered off into Elementary Education after having her own children.  For many years her creative energies were focused on teaching and raising her family.  At the proverbial fork in the road Karen retired early from teaching elementary school and happily returned to painting.  In 2009 she dedicated herself to painting daily, convinced that practice is the key to steady growth as an artist.     

Karen works in oil and watercolor, painting a wide range of subject matter.  She enjoys variety and challenge, striving to paint with versatility whatever inspires her, from the simple to complex.  In addition to her daily paintings, Karen accepts commissioned work and teaches watercolor classes in her home studio.

Karen has received instruction from several accomplished artists:  Milford Zornes, Chris Van Winkle, Ratindra Das, Elin Pendleton, Greg La Rock, Carol Marine, Joseph Todorovitch and Jennifer McChristian.   She strives to continually grow as a painter through practice and study. 

Her oils and watercolors have won numerous awards in juried shows and are held in private collections throughout the United States and abroad. 

Karen lives in Southern California with her husband and fluffy little studio dog.  She has three grown children and 6 grandchildren.