Karen Britton

Type of Work: Mixed Media

Contact Information

Email: karenbritton01@gmail.com

Website: https://karenbritton01.wixsite.com/karenbrittonart

Biography

I grew up in Southern MD, taking a disproportionate number of art classes my senior year of high school, entered local art competitions, and attended the University of MD College Park, majoring in Interior Design and Art History. In 2001, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the owner of an all-female mural/art business. She was kind enough to take me on, show me the ropes and then set me free. I stayed with the company for a few years and the experience was invaluable. In that time, I painted murals, created my first mosaic, learned amazing faux finishes, made art out of furniture and even traveled to Nashville, TN for a trade show to learn from some of the best muralist in the country. In 2004 my family and I decided to move to Hilton Head, SC and other than the "Hang 10" mural and a couple portraits of my daughters, I all but abandoned my art for about 15 years.

When I moved back to Annapolis in 2013 I did a few pieces, but was still suffering from a bit of “Painters Block”

In 2016, I was moving back to Hilton Head but Hurricane Mathew sidelined me here in Winston Salem and I was lucky enough to discover this incredibly artistic city! I was blown away by the Art district and inspired to get back into my work. It took me a couple of years but I actually finished 3 pieces that have been traveling with me since Hilton Head, 2 pieces from Annapolis and started an entire Winston Salem series as an homage to the city that brought me home. I like to get physical with my work, so most of my pieces include multiple mediums including, but not limited to: plaster, wood, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, oil and leafing and most pieces have been sanded, scrubbed, sprayed and even blow dried. My Winston Salem series represents the diversity and dynamic nature of this city and the many colors and emotions this city, the city I now call home, inspires in me.