Roadside Treasures by Karen Larson Turner
Karen Larson Turner
For Karen Larson Turner, becoming an artist was the natural continuation of her favorite childhood pastime. She began drawing when she was old enough to hold a pencil, and by the age of fourteen was selling her work. With watercolors and a block of paper on her lap, Karen discovered the joys of painting outdoors. A summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard, her first works were conceived and executed in the pleasant surrounds of the Island’s historic Victorian cottages, where she received many commissions for house portraits. During high school, her parents’ gift of a portable easel furthered Karen’s enjoyment of outdoor painting, and she learned to work on tourist-packed sidewalks as well as on solitary, sand-whipped beaches. Karen graduated from Calvin College (Grand Rapids, Michigan) in 1991 with a BFA. There, her studies in art history and life drawing impressed the expressive potential of the human anatomy, and she began to paint the figure in allegorical and metaphorical compositions. Although favoring oils for figure work, watercolor remained the medium of choice for her landscapes. In 1991 Karen was first featured at an exhibition at the Granary Gallery of Martha’s Vineyard, where she continues to display a large body of work each season. After Calvin College, Karen’s love for the craftsmanship of traditional oil painting inspired her to further study at the School of Representational Art in Chicago, Illinois. Modeled after the 19th century Atelier, or studio, SORA provides the mentorship of three master painters for students embarking on a rigorous study of classical technique. Karen completed four years of study with the school, honing a mastery of anatomy, the figure, portraiture, and the still life. Her final year was devoted almost exclusively to one major work: Thirst, a visual parable standing over six feet tall and involving five human figures. After completing the program in 1996, Karen set to work as a full time painter, working equally in watercolor and oil. Her work is displayed at the Granary Gallery of Martha’s Vineyard, Powers Gallery of Acton, Massachusetts, and The Summer House Gallery of Highlands, North Carolina. Most recently, Karen has become a featured artist at the Wells Gallery of Charleston, South Carolina. She currently maintains a summer studio on the Vineyard as well as a year-round studio in Charleston, South Carolina. Seven of Karen’s watercolors are now available as limited edition prints. Studies: 1996 The School of Representational Art, Chicago, Illinois (four year post-graduate course of study in traditional methods of drawing and painting 1991 Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, BFA Awards: 2004 selected to execute mural series in the grand staircase of The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island, SC 1997-1993 All Island Art Show, Martha’s Vineyard (Best of Show, Oil, 1995; First Place, Oil, 1995, 1996; First Place, Watercolor, 1996; Second Place Watercolor, 1997, 1995; Third Place, Watercolor, 1993 1993 John Stobart Foundation (studies at SORA grant) 1991-92 Frances Hook Foundation (independent studies, grants) 1991 Calvin College Juried Exhibition (Third Place) 1991 Westford Regional Art Exhibit, Westford MA (Second Place) 1990 Pat Snyder Verduin Art Scholarship (studies at Calvin College, scholarship) 1989 Sandra Bowden Art Scholarship (studies at Calvin College, scholarship 1987-1990 Lexington Arts and Crafts Society Scholarships (studies at Calvin College, scholarship.) Exhibitions: 1991-2005 The Granary Gallery, Martha’s Vineyard, MA.(three person show) 1998 The Summer House Gallery, Highlands, North Carolina (solo exhibition) 1997 Calvin College Center Art Gallery, Grand Rapids, Michigan (invitational group exhibition) 1997-1998 Windham House Miniatures Show, Greenvale, NY(group exhibition) 1995-1998 Powers Gallery, Acton, MA(group exhibitions) 1995 Francesca Andersen Fine Art Miniatures Show, Lexington, MA (group exhibition)
Roadside Treasures
Karen Larson Turner
Watercolor
28" x 20"     Framed: 36" x 28"
2003
$2,000
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