My goal in painting is to show the beauty of common objects and everyday scenes.  Whether painting still life, urban scenes or landscapes, my subject is light and shadow.  Careful observation of how light transforms color infuses my work with a strong sense of light.  I want fresh, vibrant color and energetic brushwork to fill my paintings with life.

 

I hope my work inspires viewers to look more carefully at the beauty all around us.  I’ve been told that my work is “happy.”  I’m most  happy when painting, so if my work gives joy to others, then it’s a double blessing. 

 

I grew up in Orange County, CA where my love for paint began in my parents' sign company.  Observing my father's talents and surrounded by drawing, design, hand lettering and gold leaf, I grew up around paint.  I feel as if I have paint in my blood!  As a college student I studied fine art with a drawing and painting emphasis at California State University, Fullerton.  After a change in career goals, I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies at CSUF and my Master's Degree in Education at Claremont Gaduate University.  Then, after sixteen years in Education, I retired early to paint again and enjoy more time with family.  

 

I have been painting professionally since 2007.  My studio and plein air work have been enriched by study with the following contemporary masters:  Carol Marine, Greg La Rock, Jennifer Mc Christian, Quiang Huang, Joseph Todorovitch, Kim English, and Jim Mc Vicker.

 

Although I work primarily in oils, my work in both watercolor and oils have received numerous awards in juried shows.  My work is held in private collections across the United States and abroad.  

 

 I demonstrate for art associations throughout Southern California and teach still life painting workshops in my home studio.  My husband and I reside in Upland, CA.   We have three grown children and seven grandchildren. 

 

Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram: karenwernerart

Blog: www.karenwernerart.blogspot.com

 

MEMBERSHIPS: American Impressionist Society Signature Member, Associated Artist of the Inland Empire, Oil Painters of America Associate, California Art Club Associate 

 

ACHIEVEMENTS:

2004 Painted Moon Award (watercolor), Associated Artists of the Inland Empire Annual show

2005 First Place in Watercolor, Pomona Valley Art Association Annual Show

 2005  Dick Blick Award, Watercolor,  Pomona Valley Art Association Annual Show

2006 “Special Award” (watercolor)  Associated Artists of the Inland Empire Annual Show

2007 Don O’Neil Memorial Award Associated Artists of the Inland Empire Annual Show

2007 First Place in Watercolor, Associated Artists of the Inland Empire Annual Show

2007 Third Place in Watercolor, Pomona Valley Art Association Annual Show

2007  First Place in Watercolor, Pomona Valley Art Association Annual Show

2010 Second Place in Oil, Associated Artists of the Inland Empire Annual Show

2014 First Place in Oil, Associated Artists of the Inland Empire Annual Show

2014 PVAA Award, oil, Associated Artists of the Inland Empire Annual Show

2014 California Art Club Juried Exhibit: “California Heritage: The Mission Trail”

2015 Just Plein Fun Invitational, Debra Huse Gallery, Balboa Island, CA.

2015 First Place, “Holiday Treasures” Show, Debra Huse Gallery

2016 Just Plein Fun Invitational, Debra Huse Gallery, Balboa Island, CA

2016 Third Place, Just Plein Fun

2016 Purchase Award, Just Plein Fun

2016 Popular Choice Award, Just Plein Fun

2018 American Impressionist Society 19th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Fish Creek WI

2018 Best In Show, Associated Artists of the Inland Empire

2019  American Impressionist Society's 3rd Annual Impressions Small Works Showcase- Petoskey, Michigan.

2019 American Impressionist Society's 20th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, NY, NY.

2020 American Impressionist Society's 4th Annual Small Works Showcase, Fredericksburg, TX

2020 American Impressionist Society's 21st Annual National Juried Exhibition, St. George Utah.

202o Best Of Show, AIS Plein Air Competition, St. George, Utah

2021 American Impressionist Society awarded Signature Member Status

2021  American Impressionist Society 5th Annual Small Works Showcase, Charleston, SC

2021 Oil Painters of America Salon Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Gainsville, GA

2021  American Impressionist Society's 22nd Annual National Juried Exhibition, Omaha, NE

2022 Oil Painters of America 31st Annual National Juried Exhibition, Steamboat Springs, CO. 

2022 Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibit, Dallas, TX

2023 Amerian Impressionist Society's 24th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Greenville, DE