Meet Karen Appleton | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Appleton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
As basic as it sounds, my habits of dedicating time, journal writing, and exercising, have been very important for me. When I first began painting and hoped to make it my profession, I started a new habit of waking up at 5;30am to get an hour of painting time before going to my job at the time. I am naturally a night person so this was a challenge but, this was the only way I could squeeze in painting time. I still struggle with carving out enough time for painting, however, this early experience taught me that if I can just get into the habit of either a late night or early morning routine of dedicated time I will be more productive. My bad habit of coffee helps me more than I’d like to admit to get in the extra hours too! Journal writing has also been a very important habit for over 20 years. I usually journal in the morning, just a few minutes, to clear my head so I can focus on painting or to brainstorm new painting ideas. Jogging has been one of my most important habits too. A recent injury has stopped that, hopefully temporarily. I always always always have lightbulb moments and problem solving ideas while jogging!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an oil painter. Painting professionally for over 20 years. The majority of my paintings are still life compositions, characterized by thick unblended brushstrokes in saturated colors. 2020 was not the best year for all of us, for me, it became increasingly harder each month. I felt ridiculous painting in my studio seeing so many people risk their lives to help others, and I just stopped painting for several months. I realized, as small as it might be, I could contribute by making a small painting each month and give 100% of the proceeds to a different charity each time. One of my ongoing series of paintings are of gift wrapped presents, and I decided the gift image was perfect for the donation idea. This idea totally focused and inspired me again and I was excited that I might be able to do something with my art to help. By announcing this plan on social media it held me accountable too! I offered the paintings half price of what they would be normally, to make sure the paintings would sell and each charity get their monthly donation. All in all, 7 different charities got $100 donations! While that isn’t much, it felt fantastic to contribute in some way. It was also so uplifting to research the various charities and see so many people doing so much positive work in the world! Along with the gift series, another main series is food and drinks you might find at gatherings; cocktails, ice cream sundaes, garnishes, and finger sandwiches. My goal with both the gift paintings and the food series is to bring joy and beauty to someone’s home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Reynoldstown close to the beltline, so we would start there, take a short walk to Muchacho for coffee and avocado toast, walk over to Carroll Street and check out the local scene there. Then stroll Wiley Street to see the Forward Warrior art. Then Krog Street Tunnel, take a can of spray paint to tag the tunnel! From there to Revolution Donuts, yum! Stop by Krog Market, then over to Lady Bird to hang out on their outdoor patio and have a beer. That night go to Ponce City Market’s Rooftop bar for the sunset and incredible skyline views. We would absolutely see lots artwork, for certain we would go by the High museum and White Space Gallery. The restaurant Marcel, on the west side, is a must! Coolest vibe plus an incredible menu. One night we would go to Yabo in Buckhead for cocktails and their truffle popcorn. Go bowling at the Painted Pin. Nightcap and get silly at Beetlecat. One day we would have to walk around Oakland Cemetery and Grant Park. Last night sit at the bar at Golden Eagle to watch the bartenders create their incredible cocktails and if we consume a few, possibly end up at Johnny’s Hideaway for some crazy dancing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is 100 percent in my corner and has been a huge factor in my journey as an artist. Without their support and cheerleading I would not be where I am in my life or career as an artist for certain! I am also blessed with many incredible friends who have done the same! As well as fellow artist friends who are key sounding boards and help keep me in line. And of course, I am incredibly grateful to the collectors who have purchased paintings, oftentimes, multiple paintings from me! I am truly lucky to have so many wonderful cheerleaders by my side!

Website: www.karenappleton.com

Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/karenappletonart