Karen Lawrence is intrigued by how people live. She sees in people`s spaces not just architecture and furnishings but a story of the history of their lives. Her paintings depict an intimacy with space that transcends lifestyle. When viewing her paintings, you feel as if you are transported to a time and place that is warm and inviting, therefore familiar. She enjoys painting the interiors of houses with history and rooms filled with beloved treasures. The elegance of a curved archway, the drama of tall ceilings and open French doors, the intimacy of an overstuffed chair with a good reading lamp; all are elements of scenes waiting to be painted. For Karen, the other essential element is light. She is especially excited by the play of bright sunlight streaking across the floor or warm lamplight drawing one to a comfortable place. As a recent reviewer expressed, "One of Karen's greatest accomplishments as a painter is her mastery of light. Combine that with her loose brushstrokes and she is able to bring a fresh approach to traditional subjects. With her quick confident strokes, Karen is able to achieve astonishing detail." Ms. Lawrence has been painting since 1985, when she was introduced to watercolor in classes at the Atlanta College of Art. Karen holds a B.S. degree in Related Arts and Crafts from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.