Karen Chambers

Artist's Statement and Biography

My mother, who is a professional painter, has been an influence on me since I was a child. She always made sure I had art supplies and would help me pursue my joy of drawing and painting images in color. I was always aware of the colors in nature and how diverse they are. Since then I have always preferred to draw my images from reality. To use only photographic images, restricts me to a tight approach to the subjects I see outside my window. Therefore, I prefer to paint plein aire, gathering all of the data I need to represent what I see. An artist's hope is that his image will evoke an emotional response from the viewer. I am best known for the use of color that is not normally picked up by the occasional viewer. My favorite subject is the out of doors. It is there that I have found my greatest happiness. Painting the atmosphere of a place at a given time is a challenge I cannot ignore. My colors are spontaneous, bright, and joyful. The following instructors have influenced my choice and use of color. These are Elsie Dresch, who taught me the value of a good under painting, Albert Handell, who instructed me on the use color layering, Skip Lawrence, who taught me not to place dull or neutral darks in my paintings, Margaret Evans, for a new approach to portraiture; and Richard McKinley, who improved my plein air painting skills.

Art Instruction and Experience

Received a Minor in Fine Art at Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 1972
W/C Workshop with Bernard Evans, Mounts Bay Art Center, Newland, England 1990 & 1992
W/C Workshop with Skip Lawrence, 1993
Weekly Classes in W/C with Sandra Brughes Moore 1990-1995
Pastel Workshop with Elsie Dresch of Atlanta, 1994
Pastel Workshop with Albert Handell, 2002
Margaret Evans - 2005 IAPS Richard McKinley - 2006

My first teaching experience was during a two-day pastel workshop for the Asheville Art League. To see my students, many of who had not used pastels before, attack the assignment with obvious gusto was a joy to me. This experience was repeated again the next year for the Swannanoa Valley Fine Art League. In 2001, I was hired to teach the use of soft pastels for three years at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. This proved to be a learning experience for me as well as for my students, many of whom were new to the medium.

I am currently instructing students around the Western North Carolina area and in workshops throughout the Southeast.

Art Organizations

Active and Exhibiting Member of...
Southeastern Pastel Society since 1996.
Asheville Art League since 1999.
Charlotte Art League since 1999.
Associated Artists of Winston Salem since 2005.
Swannanoa Valley Fine Art League since 2003.
Art League of Henderson County since 2004.
Waynesville, NC, 'Quick Draw' since 2005.
Appalachian Pastel Society, Asheville, NC since 2006
Pastel Society of North Carolina 2006.
Portrait Society of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA since 2007

My Paintings have been shown in these juried exhibitions and Other venues:

Halpert Biennial National Exhibition, Boone, NC, 2005.
State of the Art, Associated artist of Winston Salem, NC, 2005.
"Fall into Art," Charlotte Art League, NC, 2005.
"Eleventh International Open Exhibition," Southeastern Pastel Society, Atlanta, GA. 2004.
Pastel Society of North Carolina First Exhibition, 2006.
Decatur Fine Arts League Juried Open Exhibition, Agnes Scott College, Atlanta, GA.
Other Charlotte Art League, Southeastern Pastel Society, and Associated Artists of Winston Salem juried Exhibitions.
Art League of Henderson County, NC.
Swannanoa Valley Fine Art League, NC.
Southworks Artist Market, Watkinsville, GA.

My paintings are hanging in private collections in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arlington, VA, and have been exhibited at Gallery 1401 in Chattanooga, TN.

- Art Galleries -
Boats - Landscapes - Marshes - People & Animals
e-mail: Karen@karenchambers.net