KAREN ISRAEL

Karen Israel (IAPS/MC, PSA-MP, PSWC; CPS, CMPS, AAPL) is a Connecticut artist working mostly in pastel. Whether she is exploring landscape, figure or still life, her passion for design and creating a narrative is evident in her work.

Karen is an elected member of many art organizations such as the American Artists Professional League, the National Women’s Artist Association, the Hudson Valley Art Association, the Pastel Society of America, Salmagundi Club and the Lyme Art Association. Karen conducts many teaching demonstrations and workshops throughout the United States and she has served as juror for many national competitions.   

Over the past 20 years Karen has garnered awards in many national juried competitions.Her work is held in private collections throughout the United States.

Most recently, Karen Israel’s painting was selected Third Place in the 2026 Pastel 100 competition-Figures/Portrait Division. Karen’s work was featured in the March 2025 issue of American Art Collector.In past years, Karen’s work was featured in the Pastel Journal’s Pastel 100 and Practique Des Arts Magazine.

To learn more and view her work, please visit https://www.artbykarenisrael.com/ and follow her on Instagram at @karenisraelpastel and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karen.helfeldisrael .

A Change in the Weather

Captain's Prerogative

Sooner Than Expected

Sisyphus on Second Avenue