Born in New York, Karen grew up and now resides in Connecticut. She received a B.A. in Fine Art at Western Connecticut State University and shortly after, received a grant to complete a residency at Vermont Studio Center.

Working primarily in oils, Karen is most concerned with the relationship between the gesture of the figure and the expressive brushwork of the paint.

Her work has been shown in numerous galleries and juried competitions, and is held in many public and private collections.