Karen Lehr Lawley, originally from New Orleans, moved to Shreveport with her husband, Rick, in 2005 after living in the Florida Keys and Dallas. She rediscovered her passion for painting when she found her college set of Grumbacher watercolors tucked away in an old box of mementos. Though mainly self-taught, she joined an art class led by the late Rachel Williamson, who taught her the techniques of oil painting and became a profound source of inspiration. Under Williamson’s guidance, Karen participated in several gallery showings around Shreveport.

Karen finds inspiration in the beauty of nature, both earthly and cosmic, and merges her love of art with her fascination for astronomy. Her vibrant use of color is central to her style, which reflects her experiences as a woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and English teacher. These roles and relationships deeply influence her artistic expression.