FAQ

1. Why does Karen paint in watercolors?

Karen started with acrylics and then switched to oils. Luckily her sister gave her watercolors as a gift. The unique characteristics of application challenge to control and yet the beauty of uncontrolled elements made watercolors the only choice.

2. How long does it take to complete a piece?

Between 40 and 60 hours.

3. Aren’t watercolors very difficult to work with?

They are very different than other media and require an artist to carefully plan their painting before any paint hits the paper. But this should be done with any work of art.

4. Where does Karen get her ideas?

Living in the Catskill Mountains provides a never-ending source of inspiration. The emotional ties made in childhood add a very personal view to every landscape she sees.

5. Does Karen use photographs?

Because of the length of time required to complete each painting, photographs are an essential part of the process. But creating sketches and thumbnail paintings plain aire help to insure the initial inspiration doesn’t get lost.

6. Where did Karen learn how to paint?

Her mother, Mabel, was an artist and teacher and instilled her the love of art. She spent most of her college years exploring ceramics and returned to painting after graduation. For the most part, she has been self-taught.

7. Are there any more artists in her family?

Karen’s sister, Joanne, had great potential as an artist but opted to be a Doctor instead. Karen’s twin brother, Kevin Gutliph, is a talented, award-winning rustic sculptor who works in rusty metals and found objects to create whimsical figures that he displays on his farm.

8. Does Karen ever accept commissions?

Gladly! See the Commissions page for more details.

9. What are Karen’s other interests?

Golf has been an obsession and a source of anxiety. Gardening, antiques, friends and a great bottle of wine prove to be less stressful pursuits. She is an avid walker/hiker who values fitness.

10. How are prints made?

The short answer is with the finest printing process available today. It creates archival quality prints with microscopic details. And now the long version:

Iris Giclee (pronounced zhee-clay) printmaking offers one of the highest degrees of accuracy and richness of color available in any reproduction technique. Prominent museums such as the MOMA, Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have hosted exhibitions featuring Iris Giclee. The patented printing technology utilizes microscopically fine droplets of ink to form the image. A print can consist of nearly 20 billion ink droplets that create a finely differentiated color palette.

11. Are the prints signed?

Absolutely. Many are also numbered if they are part of a limited-edition series.

12. How should I protect my artwork?

When framing, use the best materials that you can afford. We always use archival quality mats and backing materials. If you don’t, acids in the paper can damage the artwork. Over time, strong sunlight can fade pigments so avoid hanging in direct sunlight. Also avoid high humidity, which can wrinkle artwork.

13. Does Karen teach or give lessons?

She has but is not doing so currently.

14. Are the original paintings for sale?

Absolutely. Please contact us for pricing and availability.