Karen Barker

Truffles on Fried Eggs: Reflections of Italy

The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to present Truffles on Fried Eggs: Reflections of Italy, an exhibition by Karen Barker, from June 17 - August 1. This exhibition is sponsored by FNBC.

Artist Statement

Karen Barker’s pastel, oil, and mixed media works in this exhibition recall colors, emotions, and experiences from an Italian trip. “Whether in broad vistas bathed in autumnal light or closer views of daily life, I tried to capture the Tuscany region of Italy.”

Biography

Karen Barker grew up in Arkansas and, as a child, developed a love of the natural world, which is reflected in her artwork. She works in oils and acrylics, featuring primarily pastel landscapes of the Ozarks. Barker earned her BFA in studio art from Arkansas State University and studied jewelry arts with Bob Mitchell (ASU) and with Linda Watson at Cabrillo College (Santa Cruz, CA).

Once Barker moved back to Arkansas after more than 20 years in California, she began her serious work in pastels, painting the landscapes of the coastal and mountainous regions of central California for over 15 years. She studied with noted pastel artist Kitty Wallis. Barker has made jewelry for over 30 years, working in precious metals with natural gemstones and pearls, as well as polymer clay.