Karen Wheeler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karen Sue Wheeler
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| Born | 1955 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Artist |
Karen Sue Wheeler (born in 1955 in Winfield, Kansas) is an American artist. She was born with a condition called spinal muscular atrophy. This condition causes her muscles to become weak over time. Karen uses a special art method called "layering." This technique makes her paintings look like they were drawn with colored pencils. Each of her detailed artworks can take a very long time to finish. Some paintings require 150 to 500 hours to complete!
Contents
Early Life and Art
Growing Up with a Special Condition
Karen Wheeler was born in 1955 in Winfield, Kansas. She is the middle child of three. When she was born, doctors told her parents she might not live past one year old. But Karen proved them wrong!
Starting Art at a Young Age
Karen says she started making art when she was only five years old. Because of her condition, she could not play outside like other kids. Art became her way to explore and create.
Education and Learning
College Studies in Art
Karen Wheeler first went to Santa Ana College. Later, she transferred to California State University, Fullerton. There, she earned a master's degree in art in 1981. She was a top student, graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Karen Wheeler's Art Career
Unique Tools and Techniques
Karen has developed a special device to help her create art. It is a sling-like support that she wears on her arm. This helps her hold her tools, whether it's a brush, pencil, or pen. She uses a small brush and very little paint. This creates a "dry-brush" effect. She calls her special method "layering." It makes her paintings look like detailed colored pencil drawings.
Helping Others Through Art
Karen has also worked to help other artists. From 1985 to 1992, she was on the Board of Directors for Very Special Arts California. This group helps people with disabilities get involved in the arts. She is still an honorary board member today.
In 1990, Karen was named "Disabled Professional Woman of the Year." This award came from the Pilot Club of Southeast Los Angeles. She has also been a board member of the (Las) Vegas Artists Guild since 2003. She even served as president for two terms.
Sharing Her Story Online
In 2012, Karen and her business partner, William Schnell, started a website called GoHitYourself.com. They wanted to teach people with disabilities how to improve their lives. They also wanted to help people without disabilities understand these challenges better.
In 2014, they changed the website. They combined it with Karen's own personal site. Now, at KarenWheeler.com, you can see her amazing art. You can also read her stories about living with a disability.
Karen's Artworks
Different Styles and Hidden Meanings
Karen Wheeler's early paintings were made with watercolor. But she has also used other materials. These include oil paints, acrylics, pencils, and ink. Her art shows many different subjects.
Karen is known for hiding a special symbol in most of her pieces. She often includes a rose in her artwork. This rose represents herself.
