During her secondary education Karen was lucky enough to win an inter-school art competition, the prize being a box of paints and a cheque, the latter having to contribute to her study fees. Unfortunately she was unable to pursue her artistic endeavours due to a career in Pathology and Analytical Chemistry.

During her childrens’ education, Karen resumed her piano playing and returned to studying music. A formal teaching qualification from Melbourne University, and a career in music teaching followed which still continues today. Any spare time was taken up with ceramics at Mitcham Arts Association (now Whitehorse Arts Assoc.) and painting Australian Flora on cards for a shop.

 After encouraging her children through Architectural and Graphic Art qualifications, Karen’s own interest in art was re-ignited.

In 1999 she became a member of Ringwood Art Society Inc (R.A.S.), took up watercolour painting firstly at Wyreena, then in 2001 at R.A.S. with Raelene Sharp, becoming involved in RAS exhibitions and committee activities, firstly as Librarian, later as Secretary, then as President.

In 2003 Karen was accepted as a member of The Australian Guild of Realist Artists (A.G.R.A.). In 2004 she also joined the Pastel Society of Victoria (P.S.V.) Karen works in Watercolour and is currently studying this medium with David Taylor. She also works in Acrylic, in which she has done some study with Craig Penny, oil and pastel, and is self taught in these latter two mediums.

Karen is currently a member of:

Australian National Institute of Music Teachers. (M.I.M.T.)

Australian Guild of Realist Artists (A.G.R.A.), A Councillor of AGRA

Awards: Highly Commended RAS Christmas Art Competition December 2003

2^nd Place RAS Achievement Section for 2003

3^rd Place RAS Distinction Section for 2004

Most Popular Painting RAS Artist of the Year 2004

Highly Commended RAS Eastland Judged Art Show October 2004

Most Popular Painting RAS Artist of the Year 2005

3^rd Place RAS Distinction Section for 2006

3^rd Place RAS Distinction Section for 2007

Finalist in A.G.R.A. Australia at Large Competition 2007,08,09,10 11,12

3^rd Place R.A.S .Distinction Section for 2008

Commended RAS Artist of the Year 2009

Highly Commended Box Hill Rotary Art Show 2009

Highly Commended Lilydale Agricultural Show 2009

Highly Commended Australian Artists on Line exhibition AGRA2010

Highly Commended Australian Artists on Line exhibition AGRA 2011

Highly Commended Australian Artists on Line exhibition AGRA 2012