Karen S. King
Acrylics, clay, graphite, resin, fused glass
CAA instructor
CAA studio artist since 2013
Karen King is a completely self-taught multidisciplinary artist. She was strongly influenced in her childhood home, both inspired and encouraged by her parents who were creative people. That knowledge and support energized her and has informed her life ever since.
When King's children were young, her available time was spent drawing portraits. Then she discovered oil paint. Actually water-soluble oils — no odor and easy clean-up, two important attributes in the life of a busy mother. While working with these paints King developed a spray technique to manipulate the pigment. This experimentation added just the right amount of fresh, unique detail to enhance her landscape paintings.
In the last few years, King's focus has been resin art. As is her style, there's an intense focus on design and balance that culminates in a harmonious union of line, form, and color. Add in the aspect of the natural world and you’ll discover an integral part of King's art story. Though they look like cross sections of real agate, her work is actually created using poured resin. By utilizing various materials like crystals, mica flakes, pigments, and glass, King arrives at her ultimate goal — an attempt to capture the awe-inspiring essence of Nature's originals.
King has used creativity to enliven the community in many ways. She can often be found teaching classes at CAA and provides art opportunities at Basics and Beyond, Alternative School in Newton. King has two grown sons and currently lives in Newton, Iowa with her husband and young daughter.
Portrait: Karen King
