Karen Saunders Hurley is a Canadian artist who was born and raised in Newfoundland.  From an early age she was drawn to the province's natural beauty, and its wealth of folklore, music and art.  The changing seascapes, the qualities of light, and the banter of friends at supper, among a multiple of sensations, became a part of her.  She carries an abundance of memories of those years that inspire painting opportunities to last a lifetime.

Karen's path took her in a different direction, a career in health care.  On the advice of a friend who recognized Karen's creativity, she discovered painting.  She took classes that helped her discover she is artistically curious about how time passes for the individual; the narrative of a moment of life lived. This is what she paints: her passion to bring stories of everyday experiences to the canvas. 
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Karen continues to grow and develop as an artist through further self study, painting classes, workshops, and art retreats.  She paints primarily in oil and acrylic, although experimentation and creativity with other mediums and mixed media collage continue to excite her.  Karen believes that all mediums of art can transport us to altered emotional and imaginative states.

Karen is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Clarkson Society of Artists and Visual Arts Mississauga where she has exhibited her work.  Her painting of a sunflower, “Seeker” was featured in the 35th anniversary calendar, and her streetscape painting, "Nuit-Blanche", was chosen in the 36th annual juried show at Visual Arts Mississauga. Karen’s work is exhibited internationally and was commissioned by the City of Mississauga, for the 40th Anniversary Gift to Kariya, Japan.

Karen's goal is to capture the unique quality and personality of every person and place she paints. She loves the mystery of a narrative in a painting where the viewer can be captivated by the expression of a story unfolding.