About the Artist
Karen Sutton - Biography

Karen E. Sutton
Karen E. Sutton is a representational painter whose subject matter includes still life, florals and landscapes. She cites working directly from life "alla prima" in her studio as one of the most powerful aids in her growth as a painter. Use of the chiaroscuro method in still life allows her to impart a deep emotional quality to her canvasses. Primarily a still life painter, she also enjoys the challenge of outdoor painting, as it leads to more stimulating color, value and brushwork from the momentum created under more strict time constraints. More recently, her landscapes reflect the influence of the tonalist/luminist movement.

With her mother's encouragement, Karen went on to take all the high school art classes available, and has built an extensive collection of instructional books that have helped as well. Among her greatest influences: Charles Hawthorne, John Singer Sargent, Vermont painter, Richard Schmid, and others.

A favorite quote: "The job of the artist is to show the world the beauty in the mundane." Charles Hawthorne

Exhibitions/Awards

D'Art Center Exhibition "Delectable" (June 2023) - Awarded First Place
Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival - Awarded Best In Show in years 2015 and 2019; - In 2017 -received Award of Excellence
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show 2014, 2015, 2016
Arts In The Middle, Urbanna, VA - Honorable Mention (2015)
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show 2014, 2015, 2016
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival - 2015, 2016
Stockley Gardens Art Festival - Best In Show (Spring 2014); Second Place (Fall 2014); Award of Merit (Spring 2018)
FineArtViews Painting Competition - 2010 & 2011: "Favorite 15%" Category; Favorite 15% August 2018
An Occasion For The Arts, Williamsburg, VA - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT - 2010, 2011, 2013
Glastonbury On The Green Fine Art & Craft Show 2009, 2013 - Third Place in Oils
Charles H. Taylor Cultural Arts 2008 Small Works: "People's Choice" Award
Stockley Gardens Spring/Fall Arts Festivals 2008 thru 2019
Governor's Pointe Art Extravaganza - Awarded Best In Show in 2008 & 2009
Out & About Norfolk Paint Out - Award of Merit, Purchase Award - 2007; 2009
Norfolk Academy Art Show, Norfolk, VA - 2007 thru 2016
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Art Show, Suffolk, VA - 2007 thru 2019

Crimson and White Crape Myrtle