A native of Atlanta, Karen Nichols became interested in art at a very early age. Influenced by the creativeness of both mother and grandmother, Karen particularly enjoyed using her grandmother’s oil and watercolors, painting in her grandmother’s garden. Following high school, Karen traveled to Europe, studying the great masters and soaking up the rich colors and textures of the landscapes and towns, a practice she continues to this day for inspiration. After returning from that first journey, she attended the University of Georgia and Georgia State, studying Art History and Drawing and Painting. She received her bachelors of Visual Art from Georgia State.
Following college, she worked in the field of fashion photography until the mid 1990’s, producing and directing for national clients. This experience influenced her continued use of the figure in her work. Her study with a varied group of artists furthered her education and exposure to a very diverse group of styles.
Having painted in Italy, Belgium, Austria, The Netherlands, Mexico, France, Spain, costs Rico and wherever else she finds herself, she lets the beautiful diversity of what she sees inspire her paintings. Whether it is from the subtle colors of early morning softening the symmetry of the landscape or the bright colors of the marketplace, she paints to express the emotion of the visual experience. She is intrigued with the complexity of painting; the use of color, composition and texture to communicate emotion, beauty and the human spirit.
Karen’s work hangs in collections throughout the U.S including the United States Capitol, Senate Offices. |
