Karen Boone, a natural artist
I am a nature lover and backpacker creating sustainable art using natural pigments. I have backpacked in Costa Rica, the Grand Canyon, John Muir Trail, Glacier National Park, Utah, Peru, Canadian Rockies, Switzerland and many others. I make sketches in the field, then creates larger pieces in the studio, focusing on nature’s powerful colors and energy. I forage for small pieces of clay, dry and crush them with a pestle and mortar to mix with walnut oil. I stretch my canvases using organic cotton and plant-based gesso (no rabbitskin or horse hooves).
Although self taught as a painter, I have my masters degree from the Basel School of Design Switzerland, and worked as a graphic designer for Pentagram Design NY and San Francisco, and for PAOS in Tokyo Japan. I am a 3-time Kentucky Derby Festival Poster artist, and currently live on 10 peaceful acres in Borden Indiana with Rick Runyon, my partner in adventure.
Recent Juried Shows and Exhibitions:
2020: Flora-Fauna juried show Curator: Melissa Mohammadi
https://artistalliance.space/exhibitions/flora-fauna-challenge
2020: Natural Worlds, juror Michael Shemchuk
https://artistalliance.space/exhibitions/natural-worlds
2020: Home 4 pieces juried in Garfield Park Arts Center, Indianapolis
2020: 30th annual Art In Speed Park, Indiana
2020: https://naturalearthpaint.com/blog/interview-with-karen-boone-painting-with-the-mountains/
2019: Art In Speed Park juried show, Indiana
2019: American Red Cross commissioned painting for their corporate collection
2018: Solo show at the George at 42, Louisville’s most prestigious zip code.
2018: Invited to Pine Mountain artist retreat, member of the Pine Mountain Collective in Appalachia.
2018: Abstracts Online Exhibition Special Recognition out of 952 entries from 29 different countries and 40 states. https://www.lightspacetime.art/abstracts-2018-art-exhibition-painting-other-media-category/
2018: LVA artist vignette http://www.louisvillevisualart.org/artebella/2018/1/18/vignette-karen-boone
2015: International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Silver Award: Best Commemorative Poster, Official KY Derby Festival Poster. Bronze Award: Best Commemorative Poster, Limited Edition Poster.
2015, 1999 and 1996: 3-time Kentucky Derby Festival Poster Artist
Work Experience:
Karen Boone Design, graphic design/fine art since 1992
PAOS: Tokyo, Japan, Graphic designer 1990-1991
Pentagram Design, New York and San Francisco, Graphic designer 1984-1989
Basel School of Design, Switzerland Masters
BRS Amsterdam, Netherlands, design intern