-- About the
Artist --

Dogs and art are both lifelong interests for me. The dogs came first – the family Sheltie was my babysitter from infancy and shows up with me in many old photos and home movies. In gradeschool I joined dog 4-H, and about 1970 began competing in AKC junior showmanship (qualified for Westminster in 1974), obedience, and conformation (breeder / owner / handled a number of the 20 champions produced by my mom's kennel, Nancy Pfander, Regency ESS). Later I established my own kennel and became involved in AKC hunt tests and field trials. For more about my dogs please visit Halwendan English Springer Spaniels.

According to my mom, my artistic endeavors began at age 3 when I demonstrated my wish for a swing set by drawing one (in lipstick) on the wall. I don't recall that incident, but do remember my gradeschool teachers remarking on report cards that ''Karen sometimes needs to be reminded to finish her assignments before drawing pictures''. I continued drawing and painting, usually dogs and horses, learning new mediums and techniques. I'm primarily a self-taught artist and periodically take classes and workshops. Pen-and-ink is my favorite. I like the simplicity, also the detail that can be achieved and use old fashioned dip pens with very fine nibs. Oil is my next favorite, the addition of color and striving for a realistic likeness.

All artwork on this website © Copyright 1998-2004 Karen Lee. Images may not be copied or reproduced without permission of the artist.

Bright
Pride 'N Joy Bright Sunrise SH WDX
This photo of me with Bright is on the occasion of finishing her JH at 7 months old. We went on to 1st and 2nd placements in puppy stakes, her SH and WDX, and competing in a few all-age stakes. The first time we made it to the third series and finished a trial was in the Amateur Stake at WWESSC's February 2002 trial. I've begun competing with her daughter Tonka, Halwendan Pen-and-Ink JH CD, who has done well with 8 straight JH legs before a year of age and her CD at about 15 months.