Karen Wharton

Karen Wharton lives and paints in the forested hills near Denver, Colorado. Since she was a little girl she has been bewitched by the patterns and forms in nature and everyday life. After completing a 35-year career as an eye doctor Karen turned to painting with love.

Karen's paintings are inspired by the beauty of abstract forms, patterns and colors in nature (especially birds!), music, literature, and even medical imaging.

"Honest, authentic art heals and connects us as human beings. My expressive abstract paintings aim to refresh your joy--a sense that you are happy to be alive! I appreciate abstract art for the conversation it invites between the painter and the art lover, giving the viewer the opportunity to bring his/her own beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and meaning to the painting."

Karen’s work is held in homes and healthcare settings throughout the U.S.

Doctor of Optometry, Pacific University

In art, "self-trained."

2025 Gallery Representation: SYNC Gallery, Denver, Colorado

2025 March-April: ACT TWO, Two-Artist Exhibit, SYNC Gallery, Denver, CO

2024 Jan – March: Solo exhibition, Nederland Community Library, Nederland, Colorado

2024 February: Members Show, Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, Colorado

2023 December: Members Show, Center for the Arts, Evergreen, Colorado

2023 August: Solo exhibition, SAME Cafe, Denver, Colorado

2023 May – June: “Spring in Colorado,” juried show, Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery, Nederland, Colorado

2022 September – 2022 December: “Light and Shadow”, Group Exhibition, Thrive Ball Park Workplace, Denver, Colorado

2022 July – 2022 September: Inaugural Small Works show, Main Street Gallery/3cs artists, Lyons, Colorado

2021 November - 2022 January : "Art During the Time of COVID" group exhibition, Pendleton Gallery/People House, Denver, CO