Karen is a Austin artist who has enjoyed painting from an early age. She was encouraged by winning art contests as early as grade school. Her mother is a successful artist who still paints at the age of 83. Karen studied life drawing, design and art history at the University of Texas. After receiving her degree, she taught school for eight years before her children were born. She chose to stay at home and be a full time mom during their early years. As they got older she devoted more and more time to painting and studying art. Now they are both in college and she paints full time.

She studied watercolor, pastels, drawing and sculpture before choosing oils as her primary medium. The Texas landscape it a favorite subject matter. It fits her style of painting plein air. She and her husband, Ray, spend much of their time at their Texas ranch where there is an endless array of paintings just waiting to be put on canvas. Her paintings are a great escape from the hectic lives most people lead. There is a sense of calm and tranquility in her landscapes that comes from her love of the country experience. Painting trips to Spain, France, Mexico, Italy, Colorado and New Mexico have also provided her with material for her paintings. Karen not only enjoys landscapes, but her still lifes and figures are also popular with collectors. She prefers to paint from life instead of photos even though she will use photos for reference.
Karen believes the study of art is an ongoing process that never ends. She has continued her studies at the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts in San Antonio, as well as with many prominent instructors.
Current work can be seen at the Monticello Gallery in Dallas, The Metropolitan Gallery in Austin, and the & Art Gallery in Austin. She is a member of Oil Painters of America, The Society of Outdoor Painters and a founding member of Plein Air Austin. She has exhibited in Scottsdale, Arizona at their invitational show, "The Best and the Brightest", as well as winning awards in many regional shows.
She has contributed works to many charitable causes, and designed the program for the Helping Hand Home for Children gala for two years.