Karen Butler O'Brien
Artist Bio
Born and raised in the beautiful rural community of Summerville, NB, Karen developed a life long love of art (watercolour art specifically) from her late-uncle, Ray Butler, a prominent Saint John painter and art teacher. Karen also took artistic inspiration from several other family members who are very talented in drawing, painting, photography and music. A professional painter for over 30 years, Karen primarily works with watercolour, but also has a love for pastels. She continues to take private lessons and participates in many group workshops. Her work can be viewed in her home studio in Saint John and is also available at numerous shows throughout New Brunswick each year. Her watercolours are in collections across Canada and the United States.
Artist Statement
I am primarily a watercolour artist, but I do have a love for pastels. My subjects are for the most part landscapes and florals. I enjoy working in transparent watercolour as no other medium can give the luminosity that it captures. I also enjoy the quick results that watercolour gives and the unexpectedness of the medium. My palette contains only 10 of my favourite colours, and most of my paintings may only require a few prominent colours in order to achieve the harmonious look I am trying to achieve. I use photos as a reference only and I take the liberty to change things to suit the picture in my mind. I experiment with different techniques throughout a painting and I am learning how to master many of the challenges that come with painting in this exciting medium.
Weathered Ride
Watercolour
9" x 6.5"
$175 Unframed, Matted
SOLD
Nature Walk
Watercolour
10.5" x 13.5"
$250 Unframed, Matted
SOLD
Pink Lady
Watercolour
15.5 x 7.5
$250 Unframed, Matted
SOLD
Forgotten
Watercolour
15.5" x 20"
$300 unframed, matted
Lovely in Pink
Watercolour
7.75" x 7.75"
$175 floating frame
Ready for Hay
Watercolour
10" x 20"
$250 unframed, matted
SOLD
Introducing Me