Karen Cruickshank considers herself a textural abstract colorist; she creates abstract and abstracted-landscape oil paintings, employing rich textures and powerful infused colors. Many of her inspirations are pulled from nature, others are emotional expressions of her life and society. She aims to present her canvases in uniquely captivating ways, hoping each viewer feels or sees something different, something personal. Her works are often created in layered stages, adding complexity and intrigue to the finished pieces. Karen was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1961 and began receiving art instruction as a child. She was awarded the Scholastic Gold Key and earned her Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University. After placing second in a national toy competition, she was recruited by Mattel Toys as a toy designer. Karen later freelance designed for Disney, Hasbro, Galoob and other notable companies. She taught art and art history in Portland for twenty years. Karen transitioned from painting Realism, to Impressionism, and for the past decade–abstract and abstracted-landscape art, a journey of discovery revealing her truest essence as an artist. She has never been more passionate about what she is creating or more excited about her future. Karen’s art has been selected in national and international juried competitions, and her paintings have been sold and exhibited throughout North America. Two of her works have been displayed at the US Embassy in Bucharest, Romania; another has been selected for a three-year exhibition at the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam beginning 2019. Karen paints and lives in Oregon and Arizona.
