About Karen O'Brien

Discovery

Pacific Northwest artist Karen O’Brien uses dynamic layers of acrylic and pastel to create vibrant Abstract Expressionist works on paper, panel and canvas. While serving 27 years as an Army Physician, she turned to painting as she sought to develop resilience and healing within herself and those with whom she worked. Her works have been exhibited in numerous national exhibitions to include the Pastel Society of America’s Enduring Brilliance Exhibition and has won awards in Pastel Journal’s Annual Pastel 100 Competition. Her influences include Willem de Kooning, Claude Monet and J.M.W. Turner.

I am a contemporary abstract colorist who uses a unique layering process to create an interplay of texture, color and form to create uplifting non-objective and abstract landscapes. I work in acrylic and pastel to capture light and form. My goal is to provide the viewer with an experience that inspires and heals.

Curriculum Vitae

Karen O'Brien's mother wanted her to become an artist but she became a doctor instead. She served as an Army Family Physician and spent much of her career training young doctors. In 2003, as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq waged, her students and husband were deployed in harm's way she returned to art to build resilience. After serving a tour in Afghanistan, she retired from military medicine in 2014 with 27 years of service. She now paints full time.

Karen is a contemporary abstract colorist who uses unique layering to create an interplay of texture, color and form to create vibrant non-objective and abstract landscapes. She is represented by Khan Gallery in Tacoma WA and Gallery Mack in Seattle WA. Karen has won National awards in the Pastel 100 Competition, Pastel Society of the West Coast and Pastel Society of Chicago Pastel Painter's Pastel Chicago Open Show. She is a signature member of Northwest Pastel Society.

Karen O'Brien

University Place, WA

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