"I have lived in the Phoenix area for more than 33 years and, because of my love of the desert and mountains surrounding Fountain Hills, this area became my home and the inspiration for many of my paintings. Years ago I started out with oils, then soft pastels, oil pastels, acrylic inks, and watercolor. Although I have experimented with many different media, in the last few years I have concentrated on textural paper collages, both abstracts and landscapes.
The compositions for my landscapes are inspired by original photographs taken by me on hikes in the desert or trips around Arizona or on travels. The finished painting, however, only generally reflects the photograph. I start out on watercolor paper with a light wash which I use as a guide for completing the composition. I do the same on canvas, using a light acrylic wash. I usually do not cover all of the paper or canvas with collage materials but I leave some of the wash showing through.
I try to give the viewer of the painting a feel for the textures and colors found in nature. I use hand made papers with interesting fibers and textures. I also dye a Japanese paper to achieve varied color effects and edges. Printed paper is occasionally used if it gives the impression of patterns or colors found in nature. I often include found objects such as dried leaves, flowers, ferns and grasses, seeds, shells, bark and small stones."
Karen’s work is in the Fountain Hills Artists Gallery on Avenue of the Fountains. She has also exhibited in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek. She has taught collage classes at Ink It! in Gilbert.
Karen invites you to contact her at 480-816-9632 or email her at: kcholloway@cox.net . If necessary, please copy and past this address into your email.
