“Painting has been second nature to me for so long that I often think of it as my primary language. Using pastel as my preferred medium I am able to convey thoughts and emotions that might otherwise remain ineffable."

Karen Israel is a Connecticut artist working mostly in pastel. Whether exploring landscapes, figures or still life, her passion for design is evident in her work and she especially enjoys creating a narrative. Karen is an Elected/Signature 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/international juried competitions. Her work is held in private collections throughout the United States.

Karen’s work was featured in Practique Des Arts: August 2020 Volume 53 and July 2018 Vol. 47 and Southwest Art Magazine, June 2021 issue. Website publications include: Artsy Shark https://www.artsyshark.com/2020/06/30/featured-artist-karen-israel/  Featured artist spotlight, Let’s Go Arts https://letsgoarts.org/featured-artist-spotlight-karen-israel/  and Realartrealartists https://realartrealartists.com/artist/karen-israel-pastel.html