Artistic expression, for me, has become a process of
conveying exciting visual moments. I try to capture in
water-color and oil mediums, the essence of a visual
experience.  These dramatic excerpts from reality are
gleaned from true life experiences.  I capture poignant
moments of light and shadow, highlight and reflection, to
create compositions that inspire a feeling of awe about
the wonderful world we live in.

Sometimes I chose an exquisite and unusual location to
paint, therefore building the composition around the
setting.  At times the mysterious forces of nature create
inspiration in simple objects and locales.  I depend upon
shadows, contrast and highlighting to create the illusion
of depth. Interesting colors within areas of shadow enrich
the design.  I document subjects of interest with my
camera, often spending an entire month on a painting in
my studio.

I studied art in college as one of two majors, with a
Masters Degree in Art Education from the University of
Michigan.  I have taught art classes to children and
adults, and have served in numerous art organizations.  
At present, I am serving as president of Carolina Artist
Studio Gallery in Morehead City, and am active in
Circle10 Gallery in Oriental.  I currently reside in Oriental
with my husband, Henry.  I have enjoyed researching
new subjects for paintings in my travels around the area
since moving here from Michigan in 2000.   
Karen Van Gamper