We recently connected with Karen Denning and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I started painting in 1986. I had to teach myself as I was newly married and on a strict budget. My husband was attending college. I could have learned faster if I could have taken lessons, but my method of painting is unique to me and I loved experimenting and figuring out ways to get more values into my paintings. The skills I developed were essential in improving and experimenting with more ways to get my paint blended and give my work dimension. The obstacle for me was money in the beginning. I had to acquire my supplies and tools very slowly. I now overflow with them. 😂

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started painting in 1986. I saw a cute Christmas decoration in a craft store and I wanted to learn how to paint it. That is where it all began. Fast forward to 2024 and I am teaching creative ways to paint all things. I absolutely love teaching. I study the products on the market and make sure I am using and teaching with only the finest art products and tools. I love color, texture, and blending layers and layers of paint in my work. Art is an extension of our personalities and our souls. It is healing. I want to give my students the tools they need to find the joy and healing of the mind that can come through art. I teach acrylic painting. Anywhere from furniture to home decor to fine and decorative art. I teach color theory and value study. I want to have my students step back from their art and be so happy they were able to create it. I have Major Depressive Disorder and Severe Anxiety Disorder and my art is truly the best therapy I could ask for. It helps heal me every time I pick up a paintbrush. I want to help others in this same way.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to learn was art is an extension of oneself. I thought I needed to paint like other people. When I realized I didn’t, my art got so much better and the mental blocks disappeared. There are countless designers in the art industry and I’m so grateful for their hard work and the development of patterns for us to enjoy. I have to remind myself that while I am painting one of their designs, I need to paint it my way. After many years of fighting that concept, I have overcome it and the confidence in my self continues to grow.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

In my artistic journey, my goals and mission have changed several times. At the present, I am focused on teaching. I want to share my knowledge of products and techniques I have built over the 37+ years I have been painting. Art is healing for me. There are times it is the only thing that gets me out of a depression. I want to share this joy with others, especially those that need a way to heal their mind and soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://frommypalettetoyours.com/
• Instagram: frommypalettetoyours.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khdpaint

Image Credits
These are all my original pieces of art.