Receiving the Colorado Governor's Art Show Best of Show in 2019 is a highlight of her numerous awards, along with receiving Special Merit Awards in 2016 and 2018. Karen's paintings can be seen in national juried art shows, and are held in private collections throughout the country.

Professional affiliations include Oil Painter of America, American Impressionist Society, American Women Artists, Plein Air Artists of Colorado, and Outdoor Oil Painters Society.

A graduate of university of Wisconsin - Madison, Karen creates, exhibits and teaches in the Pikes Peak region.

"Expressing the essence of my subject...hopefully capturing the spirit of a moment in time...that is my goal. Inspiration for my work rises out of my travels and my daily life in Colorado, conveying an intimacy I feel with nature. I often paint 'en plein air', immersing myself in the dance of shapes, colors and light of the landscape. Painting celebrates how the natural world touches my soul. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to slow down and be astonished by this joyful life."