About Me
Kareen Ramsey, a Louisiana born artist now residing in Oklahoma.
Growing up in Louisiana in a home steeped in Southern plantation culture, then moving to the Louisiana coast for 33 years pleasantly enveloped in Cajun culture, made for a really confused psyche.
I attended Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas, majoring in Fine Arts for 3 1/2 years. Then, after marriage, two children, divorce, and remarriage, I attended Northwestern State University for my degree in Advertising Design. Then came two more children, dogs, cats, birds, and wall to wall carpeting. So, acrylics and oils were supplanted by watercolors and colored pencils. Living in South Louisiana - about 65 miles from the nearest stop light - near the mouth of the Mississippi River was a blessing. We could drive along the road and take pictures of pelicans, gulls, herons, and a multitude of wading and shore birds right from the car window. My creative outlets at that time were quilting, cake decorating, baking, and the occasional local business graphic commission.
Then, along came Hurricane Katrina. It took away husband, home, pets, etc. So, I moved to Oklahoma to be near the two oldest children and six grand children. This is a lovely state. Not too much culture shock here. The people are delightful. So, my art is in flux, as art should be always.
There has since the age of three been a fascination for me with portraits. The personality and very soul (Divine spark) can be seen in a face. There is so much more there than in inanimate objects. I am naturally fascinated with the many facets offered by the human/animal face.
Perhaps, because we are created in God's (the Great Creator's) image, there is a real satisfaction and pleasure when creating anything artistic. It is a privilege to preserve a moment of immortality for someone, be it for oneself or a loved one.
Color and light have always fascinated me. I love to bring out subtle yet rich colors using the translucent layers of watercolor and/or colored pencil. There is a smoothness and a soft sheen so reminiscent of oil paints without the mess or smell. The computer just does not convey the luster of a finished color pencil drawing. You will understand when you see the finished product. I hope you will be as pleased as I am to see your finished portrait.
