I am from Rappahannock County in Virginia, and I've grown up with a love for the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout my time working and living overseas (in France, Poland and Russia), I always kept the Blue Ridge in my heart. My artwork is a reflection of the places I've been and the people I've been blessed to meet. I have been a teacher for ten years, and I currently teach English as a Second Language in Frederick County. My art is an expression of the joy I find in the world (Especially the Shenandoah Valley!), and in my memories.
What is your medium of choice?
Ink and watercolor
Why have you chosen your current medium?
This is the medium that I most enjoy seeing in other works of art. The ink is so crisp and clean, while watercolor has a rich translucence that is both subtle and bright.
What is your medium of choice?
Ink and watercolor
Why have you chosen your current medium?
This is the medium that I most enjoy seeing in other works of art. The ink is so crisp and clean, while watercolor has a rich translucence that is both subtle and bright.
What's your typical day?
I always start the morning with a strong cup of coffee. I teach until 2:30 PM. Then, I love to go running in the beautiful places around Winchester. I spend the evenings cooking and working on my art projects.
Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
I think there is a new found interest in calligraphy and brush lettering, as well as in simple drawings with luminous watercolors. I like to combine calligraphy with my paintings. For me, simple is best. I like to take a scene from nature, and simplify it to my favorite highlights. I create cards, paintings and stickers. I'm also working on a children's book, which I hope to publish before Christmas. As an ESL teacher, it's been fun to write and illustrate a book that I think my own students would enjoy reading! Stay tuned...
What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Just learning to draw again. I loved doing artwork in high school, and I attended the Corcoran summer art camp as a teenager. However, I stopped drawing until just a few years ago. I went about fifteen years, or so, without creating artwork. I had to watch many youtube videos and spend many long hours getting back into a place where I was happy with my technique. Even still, I have an infinite amount left to learn!
What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Sharing it with people.
Where do you find inspiration?
The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley are my greatest source of inspiration. But I also fell in love with the folk art in Poland, and I think that shows up in some of my artwork.
Where is your studio/work space?
In my apartment, and on the go!
What's your typical studio playlist?
I love listening to a few spotify stations, such as: Celtic Harps, Russian Waltzes and Bluegrass.
How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
Youtube videos are a godsend. I'm amazed how quickly the motivate me and refresh my spirit!
Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind:
Each Peach Pear Plumb by Allan and Janet Ahlberg is one my favorite children's books. I love the style of the illustrations, and they have been an inspiration for my own artwork. I also love the children's book When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant and Diane Goode.
Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it:
What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
I am working on a children's book, which I will self publish in a few months (hopefully). That is my dream project, and I hope that it becomes a reality.
What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
The greatest influence of my artwork has been a Greenville, South Carolina based artist named Hallie Bertling. I got to visit her last fall for some art lessons! Her ink and watercolor paintings are so bright and delightful.
Describe yourself in 5 words:
Joyful, energetic, lover of nature, curious and creative
Describe your work in 5 words:
whimsical, joyful, simple, uplifting, bright
Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
I just shipped my first overseas order from my Etsy shop to Scotland!
How do you find balance?
Family, friends, hard work, delicious beers, cooking, running, relaxing and artwork (of course!)
Is there a story behind your business name?
As a child, I was called "Karie Beth." I thought "Karie Beth Colors" seemed to work!
Is there anything you'd like the public to know about your work upon purchasing it?
Most of the works in my shop are prints of handmade ink drawings + watercolor. However, a few of the newer prints were drawn digitally and painted on a tablet. My children's book will be made with hand drawn ink compositions, and then painted on the tablet.
Check out Karie Beth Colors on Etsy at: http://kariebethcolors.etsy.com
I always start the morning with a strong cup of coffee. I teach until 2:30 PM. Then, I love to go running in the beautiful places around Winchester. I spend the evenings cooking and working on my art projects.
Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
I think there is a new found interest in calligraphy and brush lettering, as well as in simple drawings with luminous watercolors. I like to combine calligraphy with my paintings. For me, simple is best. I like to take a scene from nature, and simplify it to my favorite highlights. I create cards, paintings and stickers. I'm also working on a children's book, which I hope to publish before Christmas. As an ESL teacher, it's been fun to write and illustrate a book that I think my own students would enjoy reading! Stay tuned...
What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Just learning to draw again. I loved doing artwork in high school, and I attended the Corcoran summer art camp as a teenager. However, I stopped drawing until just a few years ago. I went about fifteen years, or so, without creating artwork. I had to watch many youtube videos and spend many long hours getting back into a place where I was happy with my technique. Even still, I have an infinite amount left to learn!
What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Sharing it with people.
Where do you find inspiration?
The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley are my greatest source of inspiration. But I also fell in love with the folk art in Poland, and I think that shows up in some of my artwork.
Where is your studio/work space?
In my apartment, and on the go!
What's your typical studio playlist?
I love listening to a few spotify stations, such as: Celtic Harps, Russian Waltzes and Bluegrass.
How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
Youtube videos are a godsend. I'm amazed how quickly the motivate me and refresh my spirit!
Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind:
Each Peach Pear Plumb by Allan and Janet Ahlberg is one my favorite children's books. I love the style of the illustrations, and they have been an inspiration for my own artwork. I also love the children's book When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant and Diane Goode.
Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it:
What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
I am working on a children's book, which I will self publish in a few months (hopefully). That is my dream project, and I hope that it becomes a reality.
What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
The greatest influence of my artwork has been a Greenville, South Carolina based artist named Hallie Bertling. I got to visit her last fall for some art lessons! Her ink and watercolor paintings are so bright and delightful.
Describe yourself in 5 words:
Joyful, energetic, lover of nature, curious and creative
Describe your work in 5 words:
whimsical, joyful, simple, uplifting, bright
Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
I just shipped my first overseas order from my Etsy shop to Scotland!
How do you find balance?
Family, friends, hard work, delicious beers, cooking, running, relaxing and artwork (of course!)
Is there a story behind your business name?
As a child, I was called "Karie Beth." I thought "Karie Beth Colors" seemed to work!
Is there anything you'd like the public to know about your work upon purchasing it?
Most of the works in my shop are prints of handmade ink drawings + watercolor. However, a few of the newer prints were drawn digitally and painted on a tablet. My children's book will be made with hand drawn ink compositions, and then painted on the tablet.
Check out Karie Beth Colors on Etsy at: http://kariebethcolors.etsy.com
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