I grew up on a ranch in a small country town in Texas. We didn’t have neighbors, so I took my imagination and made the outside world my playhouse. My friends were all the animals that may cross my path. My Dad taught me to watch and observe the birds, the coyotes, the rabbits. I learned to slowly observe the world around me and to respect the natural things I was privy to witness

That never left me. I still live in the same small town and taking time to observe and respect the beauty around me is still my favorite pastime

Over 25 years ago, I started painting. The first big thing I painted was a mural in my daughters room. Little did I know, that would lead me to a wonderful career of faux finishing in homes. I painted and plastered more walls and ceilings than I can remember.

About 10 years ago, I started repurposing furniture and painting any other surface I could find. I started my business Artful Wanderlust. The name came while dreaming of being able to travel in our RV and make and sell art and jewelry. Little did I realized that after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, that reality would be here faster than imagined.

In 2018, after just completing repairs on our home, we loaded up the RV and set off for the wild west of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. We had seasonal work within the park and continued returning for 4 seasons. Living inside the nations largest intact ecosystem gives you an entirely different perspective.

Now, as I enter another chapter of my life, I am excited to open up Karen Long Studios. As a mixed media artist, I have been blessed with many different creative skills. My work is inspired by nature, a strong desire to be earth friendly, sustainable, and made with my hands and heart