Karen Russell was inspired as a child by watching her mother draw and paint. This resulted in an early desire to study art. Russell first studied at the Kachina School of Art in Phoenix, Arizona with Jay Datus. Several years later she began studies with Cedric Egeli in Annapolis, MD. Her focus was on the figure and on portrait painting during those early years. Later she began to explore a variety of viewpoints and techniques by studying with a number of well-known artists.

Oil painting was Russell’s first love. She completed a series of paintings of people on the beach in the early 80’s. Her first exhibitions came as a result of the exploration of this theme. Her work has been featured in a solo show at the Capital Gallery at the Capital Centre (now the US Air Arena in Landover), a two-person show at The Gallery on the Circle of the Maryland Federation of Art, and numerous two- and three-person shows at other galleries. Her work has been selected for several juried and invitational shows such as the “Works by Maryland Artists at Government House” in both 1997 and 1998. She has received many Juror’s Choice and other awards.

Currently her work can be seen in Maryland at Aurora Gallery, Annapolis; Carmen’s Gallery, Solomon’s; Main Street Gallery and The House of Frames/Chesapeake Gallery in Prince Frederick; and the North End Gallery in Leonardtown. She has also had work at Wallhangings, Etc in Peekskill, NY and The Village Gallery in Virginia Beach, VA.

Russell has been exploring watercolor for the past several years. While still fascinated with the human figure, she is currently concentrating on florals and abstract designs, which allow her more freedom to try exciting compositional and color concepts. These colorful experiments have come about partially as a result of her interest in silk painting. The texture and beauty of the silk itself inspires a desire for boldness and bright color.

Teaching has been important to Russell since she taught her first classes for the Calvert County Department of Adult education. Recently she has taught for the Office on Aging in Calvert County and private classes in the studio in her home.

The unifying element in all of Russell’s work is the importance of living in the moment and celebrating the beauty of all of nature’s gifts.