Meet Karen Ramsay | Watercolor Artist and Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Ramsay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
About 20 years ago, an art friend asked me to teach a sketching – watercolor class at a local arts academy. This was the first time I had even thought about teaching what I enjoyed doing, since a young person. They were very supportive and certain it would work out. I have a saying, “if you don’t try, you are guaranteed NO”. So, I jumped in and have been forever grateful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Watercolor and drawing are what I enjoy and is what I focus on in my teaching.

I love the opportunity to share different drawing and painting techniques, along with guiding the student to be aware of the beauty in all that surrounds us.
Taking a “pause” to be present in our creative space and enjoy the experience and process along the way.
It’s more about seeing, appreciating and enjoying the time. Having fun is most important!

The way art connects people is very rewarding. I have students who have continued to paint together, start book clubs and support one another through the different seasons of life.

Sharing, encouraging and supporting each other in our artistic endeavors – life filling!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Goodness, how fun! Fort Collins is a wonderful city and great to explore.

I would choose summer – fall for a visit.
During the week we could bring along our “travel watercolor kit and sketchbook” and document our adventures!

I think we’d head down to Old Town Square for a coffee and treat. Sit outdoors amongst the visitors, locals and beautiful flowers the city maintains. A wander along the Poudre Riverwalk would follow.
Biking is a favorite activity and with the extensive paved bike trails, we would hop on one of our bikes and explore. A nice route close to home is Boyd Lake, between Fort Collins and Loveland.
Another day would include a Horsetooth Lake drive and hiking to Horsetooth Rock, would be an option early in the day.

Rocky Mountain National Park would be a day adventure up to Estes Park – not far and worth the trip. A lunch or dinner could be at The Stanley Hotel.

Back in FOCO, food… so many wonderful restaurants. The Rio Grande Restaurant is a must and the back patio is great – a dinner outing. Another great patio:), grilling out back at home and relaxing while catching up.

The Gardens on Spring Creek and Butterfly House is a must.
Having a beer or wine can be enjoyed at one of the many micro breweries or wineries in the area, New Belgium, Odells, Sweet Heart Winery, Blendings at The Hillside Vineyard along with many others.

Maybe some Pickle Ball :)?

Fun to share all the wonderful areas of Colorado with loved ones and friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must recognize Judy Day from WOW, “Women of Watercolor” a group I am a member of in Summit County. Judy submitted my name to the “Shoutout Series” – thank you!

There are many family and friends that have been and currently are instrumental in my story. It began early in my childhood, the encouragement of artists in our family, my mom, along with a best friends mom, who was an artist and art collector.
It continues with, my husband, adult children, my faith community and art community. They are appreciated, very significant and supportive!

Website: www.karenramsay.net

Instagram: Klrwatercolor

Facebook: KarenRamsayArtist

Image Credits
all photos by Karen Ramsay