Karen Ortman

I live in California and have been married for 46 years to the love of my life. I am a grandmother to four.

I have such early memories of painting, drawing, coloring. My most memorable Christmas gift ever was a box of 64 crayons.

I am semi-self-taught. To clarify: books, packets, DVDs, and VHS tapes that I’ve bought and listened to and/or read, along with the classes and seminars taken and conversations about nerdy painting stuff was an incredible, almost formal education in all the genres of Decorative Painting.

I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time, Sue Schewee published my books, with gracious, professional attention. Thank you, Sue.

After many paper packets to my credit, I am a converted fan of e-packets (no stuffing). I am so thankful for the professional opportunities that SDP
has afforded, Christmas Ornaments for the White House, teaching and exhibiting at National Convention and being chosen to be the Convention Special Cover Artist in 2009.

But the highlight of my 40+ years of painting are painters who have wanted to play with me in the paint. Still not done playing, want to join
me?