I grew up in Claremont, California where at a young age I learned that I had artistic abilities. I dabbled in art as a young adult, but it was always something I did in my spare time. I went to Cal Poly Pomona and pursued my degree in liberal studies, art, and English.  I earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Claremont Graduate University and pursued a career in teaching.

After college my aunt set me up on a blind date.  It went really well so I got married and moved to Murrieta.  I got a job offer at Murrieta Valley High School where my husband  Jack also worked as a science teacher.   I was a high school English teacher for twenty years and I loved every minute of it.  Jack and I have two girls, Jessica and Janelle (Nellie).  Art had to take a back seat to life, of course.

While at MVHS I always incorporated art in my English classes and then was lucky enough to have the opportunity to teach an elective art class where my love for art was reignited. Slowly, I started to draw again. My subjects were mostly old barns, shoes, antiques, and of course weeds!  They have such pretty flowers.

My mediums over the years have grown to include colored pencils, fluid acrylics, alcohol inks, mosaics, and quilting. As everyone tells me though, my talent lies in colored pencil.  As a mother of a special needs daughter (Jessica) I spent quite a bit of time in hospitals and art saved me.  I eventually retired from teaching to care for her full time and I was afforded the pleasure of exploring other passions besides being an educator.

I am now a full time artist and I’m loving it!

Cheers,

Karen