The work of Karen Maness is diverse and explorative, ranging from classical landscapes and figurative oil paintings to dream-like collaged acrylic pieces. The paintings are evolving with exploration at the root of each work. What remains consistent is the desire to echo and document the stories of life.
In addition to her personal artistic endeavors, Karen works extensively on private and corporate commissions, illustrations, large-scale theatrical scene paintings and murals.
Karen Maness Biography
Born in San Diego, California; second generation artist Karen Maness entered into a conservatory of fine art at the age of eight and began creating private commissions at the age of fourteen. Raised by her family in the fine arts and theatre community, she began apprenticing scenic designers in painting large theatrical backdrops at the age of 16. In 1991, Ms Maness entered into her professional career as a scenic artist while studying fine art on scholarship at Whittier College in Los Angeles, California. She worked extensively in regional theatre, themed parks, industrial display and film.
In 1999 she moved to Austin, Texas for her current position as resident scenic artist at the University of Texas Performing Arts Center in Austin. Additionally she teaches as an adjunct professor for the UT Department of Theatre and Dance. Through the generous support of the Performing Arts Center and College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas, Ms Maness studied advanced painting techniques at Cobalt Studios in White Lake New York in 2001, and classical landscape and figure painting in 2001 and 2003 at The Florence Academy of Art in Italy. She has just returned from teaching a summer painting class in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her paintings have been exhibited in California and Texas and her works are held in private collections in the United States and Europe.
