Karen Noel Art About the Artist

The Artist

I first developed a love of watercolor while studying illustration at The Maryland Institute of Art. This passion continued during the many years I taught at a community college in San Diego, CA. Thinking back, I cannot remember a time when I was not involved in a painting or designing project. Creative expression has always been a joy and focus in my life.

My current paintings are often a mix of several mediums - watercolor, colored pencil, collage and ink. This variety allows me the freedom to play with images and incorporate intricate patterns and elements into the work.

Many times, inspiration comes through a meditative connection with nature, and the paintings become a symbolic journal of my inner and outer experiences.

I am now captivated by the luminous Blue Ridge Mountains, and the colors of the seasons. Recently I've been spending time at Harbor Island, SC walking the beach and being inspired by the beauty. My challenge is not to produce a realistic representation, but to capture the magical spirit of the environment.

The Studio

I presently live in Asheville, NC. My studio looks out onto woods where wild turkeys

often gather and the occasional black bear wanders by. An old French wrought iron and marble pastry table makes a spacious work space, and sometimes a good place for a

cat nap.