About the Artist
Karen Burns - Classic Painter with a Twist
Original Fine Art - The Finishing Touch for your Home
Hello, from Northern California ~ Michigan is my home state, but we have landed in a wonderful spot halfway between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. We have a small cabin on Donner Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where there is a little painting corner so that I can work in the mountains as well as here in the larger studio.
My name is Karen Burns, a representational, classic painter with a twist! I especially enjoy showcasing vintage pieces and everyday objects that have been worn by time often placing them in a more contemporary composition. It is the history of an item that holds my attention.
I began in the art world as a professional photographer teaching still life. It was rare to see me without a camera in hand, but over time it was replaced with a paintbrush. Photography honed my skills for composition and lighting, but found that painting allowed me to further explore color and texture. So began the journey of working in oils and it is amazing! With camera in hand I watched the light travel across the sky - it is the same while setting up a composition to paint. Watching the light, setting the stage, and coming up with a pleasing design. Making this shift has been a natural progression - I still watch the light.
Works have been in National and International Juried Exhibitions as well as local solo shows —
The American Artists Professional League earning Signature Member Status for works in 5 consecutive Grand National Exhibitions in New York City
The National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society, earning Signature Artist Status for works in 8 Best of America Exhibitions across the country.
American Women Artists where I am an Associate with Distinction earning top honors with an Outstanding Achievement In Still Life Award in 2026 as well as exhibiting at the Customs House Museum Exhibition.
Works have also been shown with the International Guild of Realism and with the Oil Painters of America.
It as been an honor judging for the local PBS KVIE Annual Art Auction as well as a judging for the Placer Arts Association and for Sacramento Fine Arts.
It gives great pleasure to share these original fine art works with you. Please know that you will always receive Value, Quality, Beauty, Originality and Style.
By clicking here, TESTIMONIALS ~ you can read some of the really nice things people say about my work.
You can also receive notice of new works as they are created by signing up for the EMAIL NEWSLETTER. My intent is to help you find an artwork that will help you tell your own story.
Please feel free to view the list of CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
Keep in touch. I would love to hear from you.
American Artists Professional League, Inc. Signature Member Status
Northern California Arts
Oil Painters of America
American Women Artists, Associate with Distinction
National Oil and Acrylic Painters' Society, Signature Member Artist
Arts Council of Placer County
Placerville Arts Association
Sacramento Fine Art
Helpful links: PRIVACY POLICY and
Notes on the new Ernest E. Tschannen Eye Institute
