Featured Artist Karen Henneck

Artist Karen Henneck presents a collection of works in pastel and colored pencil inspired by her faith and the beauty of nature. Learn more by visiting her website.

 

 

I have always felt different from others. While my classmates were playing hopscotch and jump rope in grade school, I was busy noticing the color in the tree shadows, the pretend alligators and elephants in the clouds and the sparkle of the sun in the puddles.

 

 

My parents wondered why I was so different from my sisters, and felt I was too much of a daydreamer. I never did much with my creativity when I was young. But when I was in my twenties,  I became a floral designer creating with flowers. I really enjoyed it, but still felt there was something special waiting for me out there.

 

 

After a health scare 21 years later and a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, I realized it was now or never. I quit flowers and followed my lifelong dream of pursuing an art career. I joined a community college here in Casper, Wyoming.

 

 

Since I was as old as the teachers, and with mostly 18 to 21 year olds who had grown up with art classes, it was a bit overwhelming! I was overcome at times, but looking back I see this as a positive since it really motivated me to try harder.

 

 

Years later, I am still in awe of creativity. I love drawing God’s beautiful creations using soft pastel on UArt paper and colored pencils. And I live in a perfect spot for creative references. The sky goes on forever here and the colorful sunsets last long after the sun goes down behind the horizon. Snow capped mountains sparkle in the sun and the North Platte River goes right through town.

 

 

There are always plenty of reference material and I am in awe of the beauty of nature here. I write and illustrate children’s books that inspire self esteem and self acceptance. I hope they will encourage little ones to realize their gifts from God are unique blessings.

 

 

Most recently I finished God Gave Me Everything I Need to Be Me. You can find them on Amazon.  I hope you enjoy the beauty of the West through the images of my art!

 

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