Karen grew up around paint.  She sometimes says "I've got paint in my blood."  Her parents owned a sign company in Orange County where as a young child she watched her father design and hand letter billboards, showcards and vehicles. Showing early talent, her parents and high school art teacher enouraged her to pursue education in Fine Art.  Karen completed her studio work in Drawing & Painting at California State University Fullerton.  After a change in plans, she earned her Bachelors in Liberal Studies, and her Masters in Education at Claremont Graduate University. After sixteen years in public education she retired early to paint again.  

Karen works in oil and occasionally watercolor, painting most often from life in the studio. Her plein air work has taken her to various locations in Southern California, Oregon, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. She teaches two day oil workshops in her studio.  Karen also demonstrates and serves as juror for local art associations.

Karen has studied under these accomplished artists: Milford Zornes, Chris Van Winkle, Ratindra Das, Greg La Rock, Carol Marine, Joseph Todorovitch, Jennifer McChristian, Qiang Huang, Kim English and Jim McVicker. Her paintings have won numerous awards in juried shows and are held in private collections throughout the United States and abroad. She is a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society.  Karen lives in Upland, California.