A
passion for horses molded the life of Karen Bonnie from her
earliest memories. Born in Wisconsin and growing up in the
Midwest, many summers were spent on her uncles farm where
she expressed her love for horses through pencil drawings
In adult life, it was her admiration for these noble animals
that spurred her interest in western history, cowboy legends,
and Native American cultures. While re-training retired race
horses from the dressage arena as a hobby, she expanded her
commercial photography career into advertising and graphic
design. In 1991, Karen drew on her knowledge of ancient and
traditional techniques to found a buckskin garment company.
She won "Best New Collection" for her designs at the 1999
Western Design Conference in Cody, Wyoming.
During the 1990's she concurrently showed hand tinted photographs
and drawings at her studio in New Mexico. In 1991 she was
an invited artist at "The Governor's Choice" art show in Santa
Fe, featuring hand tinted photos from the famous Bell Ranch.
While at her gallery she met several up and coming artists,
who by example showed her the road to an art career, it was
not until she met Linda and Dean St. Clair that she took the
leap. She decided to make painting a full time career and
lifetime passion. She relocated to Southern Colorado where
she now dedicates all of her time painting in oils.
