Meet Karen Tarlton | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Tarlton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been artistic and hoped to paint as a career. In the beginning I started selling my works out of my home to friends and neighbors and then local shops and art markets. The business grew as the internet became the doorway to reaching the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am an artist using mainly oils and my medium. I paint with a palette knife instead of a brush. Merging my love of sculpture and plein air painting, the palette knife allows me to stay loose, blending colors and sculpting wet paint into a dynamic final product. The pieces are recognized for my use of heavy texture and bold color, creating a mood with emotional intensity, bordering on the abstract.
I began painting about 25 years ago and have painted over 10,000 paintings and sold about that many. I don’t believe anything is easy, but if you enjoy what you do and have a passion for it, it doesn’t always feel like work.
Daily painting, as well as great mentors and instructors helped the skills and passion to paint everyday allowed me to keep up with the demand.
I’ve learned to keep customers coming back for more and how to maintain a steady stream of new ones through advertising and new works.
I hope my work stands out and stays recognizable for many more years

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to go hiking, play pickleball and stroll with my dog on the beach here in San Diego. Many friends come visit our little beach town and we have a great time eating at the local Italian and Mexican restaurants and cooking here at home!
If you come, check out Dog Beach, Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma and La Jolla have great hikes. The water has been warm lately too so paddle boarding and body surfing are also an option.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has one hundred percent always supported my art career. Whether it was paying for classes and workshops or tech support, he always is willing to assist.

Website: https://www.karensfineart.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karentarlton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karensfineart