Karen Barton’s still life paintings capture our relationship with food and packaging, blending personal memories, cultural significance, and social commentary. Drawing on both nostalgic foods and contemporary trends, her work explores how food represents meaningful moments and fleeting experiences.

Raised in Germany on U.S. military bases, Karen was inspired by family trips across Europe, where history and local cuisines intertwined. She later shared a love of processed foods with her father, fueling her interest in food’s cultural and personal importance.

After a 30-year career as a first-grade teacher, Karen retired to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time artist. Her paintings, often inspired by memories, invite conversation and connection. Working in oils with a “messy realism” style, Karen’s work is influenced by artists like Wayne Thiebaud and Nicholas Simmons.

Karen now lives near Seattle with her husband and their standard poodle, Libby, continuing to create vibrant, textured paintings that resonate with viewers.