Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment, in terms of my art, has been my Apple Pencil. Honestly, I probably would have never begun my career as an artist if my husband didn’t buy me an Apple Pencil to go with my new IPad in 2018. The funny thing is, when he gave it to me I had no idea what I would ever do with it. Neither did he. When I asked him what it was for he said I could take notes on my iPad or write with it. Then one day my son came home from school and showed me some drawings he had made on his school Chromebook, of course when he should’ve been doing schoolwork. After I did my parental duty of reprimanding him for goofing around I took a look at his digital drawings. They were good. He showed me how to use the stylus to draw different lines and change colors. Then he told me he needed his Chromebook back for schoolwork. But, he continued to tell me, I could use my own iPad to draw if I used the Apple Pencil dad had gifted me months ago! What a revelation! That was the beginning of something beautiful. In fact many things beautiful! I started drawing digitally constantly and actually sold some work within 6 months of beginning to draw. I loved the flexibility of digital drawing. I could do it anywhere with no supplies other than my iPad and pencil! Since that time at my daughters’ persuasion I also started painting with watercolors and acrylics. I still enjoy doing digital art but have focused more on watercolors in the past 2 years. I don’t think I ever would have embraced my creativity if it had not been for that gift of an Apple Pencil!
Karen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a self taught artist. I didn’t start creating art until I was in my 50s. I spent my early career as a financial analyst in banking and always considered myself to be more cerebral than creative. I loved numbers and loved to read. I spent no time on anything artistic. I stopped working when I was ready to raise a family and never looked back. In my early 40s I had a cancer diagnosis which took a lot out of me and changed my focus a little bit more towards taking better care of myself. Thankfully I have been cancer free since then. When I started drawing and painting about 5 years ago I realized how therapeutic it is for me. Not only do I fully focus on what I’m observing and how I’m recreating it but it gives me such a great feeling when people tell me that my art makes them smile or feel relaxed or happy. I particularly love to paint my natural surroundings, landscapes, beaches, mountains, flowers, whatever strikes me. I also love to do commissions for people. I’ve done pet portraits, home portraits, engagement portraits, the list goes on. It makes me feel so good to know people enjoy my art. The past few years I’ve also made sure I give back by donating artwork to various charities I feel strongly about. Particularly breast cancer awareness. As a survivor, I usually get involved in local walks and functions. In the past two years I’ve done my own art auction, donating 100% of proceeds during awareness month and raised thousands of dollars towards awareness and research. I’m most proud of the fact that my unique talent can be used to help others indirectly.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is meeting other creatives and sharing our obsession. I’ve met so many interesting, kind, supportive people in the last few years. I’ve been given opportunities to show my art in local group exhibits and soon will be hosting my first solo show! I’m so excited. Where did this confidence come from? It must be contagious! Not everyone has been supportive but I think I have begun to find my tribe. I really enjoy being around other people who believe in lifting each other up rather than feeling competitive about our art.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I think my current goal is to keep painting or drawing daily. I keep learning more and look forward to trying new techniques to see how they work. I feel lucky that I have a talent to create but I feel equally strongly that practice makes maybe not perfect but better. I really do create for myself. If other people enjoy it, all the better. I obviously would love to sell more paintings and have more people admire my work but it’s enough that I get to spend a good number of my days creating something beautiful and sharing it with friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karenbdavisart.com
- Instagram: @Kbdavisdraws