Gallery at Savage Plants, 6810 Northeast State Highway 104, Kingston, Washington 98346, United States
I’m Karen Boren Gerstenberger
...and I’ve always loved to express myself creatively. Over the years, I’ve found joy in art, crafts, mixed media, design and writing. Acrylic paint, pen, ink and watercolor paint on canvas, paper and Gesso Board are my favorite art tools.
My Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art included two years at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, two years at Principia College in Elsah, IL, and an enriching term of study and making art in England.
Most of my pieces are directly influenced by time spent in nature. I love recreating plants and wildlife in my work.
I’m a certified Forest Therapy Guide through ANFT and a graduate of the National Speakers Association's Northwest Academy.
My husband, Gregg & I are the parents of David & Katie.
I draw & paint in my studio at home beside Puget Sound, and show my work at the Gallery at Savage Plants & Landscape in Kingston, WA.
Healing of Creative Block
For years after college, I suffered from “artist’s block.” I wanted to paint & draw, but my inner critic was too harsh. Healing began by spending time in nature, walking meditatively and working through ”The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. I took a leap of faith and traveled to Portland, OR to study with renowned intuitive painter Flora Bowley. Her teaching helped to dissolve the block, and set me free to make art again!
Inspired by Nature
From Canada to Mexico, from the USA to Europe & the UK, traveling & taking photographs gives me fresh inspiration. Living by the Salish Sea offers ever-changing color & imagery.
It’s been a joy to teach Intuitive Ink Painting at Rancho La Puerta in Mexico and Meditative Drawing at the Bloedel Reserve in Washington State.