My Fine Art Painting Press
Short Bio
I first started painting plein air paintings in watercolors on a hillside overlooking Lake Geneva while attending the American College of Switzerland. My instructor, Rob Erdle’s bright, colorful, whimsical landscape paintings influenced me.
After receiving several degrees in commercial art and multi-media, I spent 20-plus years on my career in graphic design, illustration, and Internet design for the entertainment and communication industries.
After taking a class at Watts Atelier in Encinitas, CA, I jumped back into drawing and painting. I cleaned up my garage and made it my studio. This is when I started my Jazz Cafe series of musician paintings. After many months I had my first Jazz Cafe show. The show was called “Jazz It Up in November” featuring Jazz music 4 days a week at E Street Cafe in downtown Encinitas, CA.
When I took my first plein air oil painting workshop with Greg LaRock, I remembered how much she loved painting outside.
Art Exhibits & Shows
Brooks Theater , Oceanside, CA, One Woman Show, Musician Paintings, September 25, 2017.
The Vista Conservancy, Vista, CA, Walk of Fame Mural Open Air Gallery reception and Grand Opening and concert at the Moonlight Theater May 30 2010– Karen’s painting of Sara Watkins will be the drop back for the concert at the Moonlight Theater
The Vista Conservancy, Vista, CA, Walk of Fame Mural Open Air Gallery dedication ceremony March 13 2010 — Karen displayed her mural of Sara Watkins at the Sycamore Creek Trail
Gallery 204, Vista, CA, Featured Artist February 2010
The Vista Conservancy, Vista, CA, Walk of Fame Mural Project January 18, 2010 — Karen was invited to participate in the Walk of Fame to preserve the Sycamore Creek Trail
Vista Libray, Vista, CA, Jazz Series December – May 2010
Gallery 204, Vista, CA, Juried Miniature Plein air show November 2009 — Received Second Place for Little Girl and Honorable Mention for Dana Point Harbor
Gallery 204, Vista, CA, Featured Artist March 2009
Hearth Gallery at San Marcos City Hall, San Marcos, CA, June- July 2008
San Diego County Fair, Del Mar, CA, Demontrated Still Life in Oil and Watercolor June 2009
Cole Library, Carlsbad, CA, February 5 – March 7 2008
Studio 2nd Street Holiday Show, Encinitas, CA, December 15, 2007 – January 25, 2008
Laguna Plein Air Painters “Less is More” Laugna Beach, CA November 17 – December 28 2007
Newport Harbor Nautical Museum Juried Show, Newport Beach, CAÂ September 16 – October 18 2007
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SOCALPAPA “Paints the Peninsula”, Newport Beach, CAÂ September 9 – 16 2007
E-Street Cafe, Encinitas, CA – November- December 2006
Waters Edge, Gig Harbor, WA – July 1994 to 2002
Sumner Art, Sumner WA – July 1994 to 1998
Galerie 224, Laguna Beach, CA – June 1994 to 1997
Partners Art, Laguna Niguel, CA – June 1994 to 1996
Framing Warehouse, Carloton, TX – May 1992 1994
500X Gallery, Dallas, TX – May 1992
Florence Art Gallery, Dallas, TX – November 1990- March 1991
City Art Gallery, Dallas, TX – September-October 1990
City Art Gallery, Dallas, TX – Christmas Show 1990
500X Gallery, Dallas, TX – May 1990
Thrasher Gallery, Plano, TX – April 1989
500X Gallery, Dallas, TX – May 1989
Expressions, Dallas, TX – February 1987
