About

Karen’s art career has evolved along many creative paths, each shaped by her moves across Western Canada. Born in Maple Creek in 1963, she moved to Swift Current at age one, where her parents opened the second Henry’s Bakery—the first one was originally founded by her Grandfather in Maple Creek.

 

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs sparked Karen’s own early creativity; at nine years old, she was already selling handmade bookmarks, realizing her natural talent for drawing. By sixteen, she was taking commissions for drawings and hosting her own art exhibitions and sales.

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Her artistic journey led her from Swift Current to Cranbrook, then to Vancouver Island, back to Cranbrook, and finally to Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Each location offered fresh inspiration and new opportunities, shaping her style and subjects.

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Over the years, Karen has explored photo retouching by hand, miniature painted earrings, mural work, and instructing art classes. Forty years of lifelong learning have strengthened her classical foundation, visible in her confident use of atmospheric perspective, balance, and dynamic, colorful shadows. Her paintings reveal beauty in everyday scenes—moments many of us pass unnoticed—inviting viewers to slow down and see the world with renewed awareness. The stories woven into her shadows narrate the light itself, evoking emotion through simplicity and thoughtful composition.

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Today, Karen shares her passion through Art Path, guiding artists of all levels. She believes creativity belongs to everyone and can be learned. Join her on the journey, and discover the joy that comes from creating.

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Karen lives with her husband in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. She has five daughters and five grandchildren, all of whom reside close by.