K. S. Hines
K. S. Hines is a lifelong resident of Southwest Virginia where she developed an appreciation of nature's artistry at an early age. The themes for her watercolor paintings come from all of her life experiences, especially those in concert with nature as a biologist, floral designer and gardener.
Having always loved creative projects, art has been an integral part of her life. Although not following a path of formal art education, there have been many friends, family, colleagues and mentors who have encouraged her to use her creative talents to decorate, illustrate and educate.
She obtained a BS degree in Biology and Earth Science and a Collegiate Teaching Certificate from Radford University in 1976. During this time she received instruction in scientific drawing by her professors, , developed floral design skills by working with Jimmy Tickle and Agnes Dalton at Williams Flower Shop and received workshop instruction in calligraphy from Ann Van Tassel. After an 18 year career in public science education she entered the food service industry, decorating and developing marketing materials for her restaurant business in Newbern, Virginia and was later employed as Supervisor of Member Services and Sales and Marketing for Carilion Health System's Radford Wellness and Fitness Center in Radford, Virginia.
Karen's decision to attend a group watercolor class offered by Lyndall Mason, a retired art instructor for the local school system, greatly affected her commitment to the medium. It was that class that gave Karen a new perspective on her talent. Lyndall's joy in painting was so contagious, her encouragement so inspiring and her guidance so thoughtfully given that Karen began to invest more and more time immersing herself in painting with watercolors. Karen has attended Mrs. Mason's classes often and was pleased to display several of her paintings at the Fine Arts Center in Pulaski, Virginia as part of an exhibit in honor of Mrs. Mason and featuring works by her former students.
Karen's artwork has been accepted into the juried Radford City Art Show and Art on the Lawn in Pearisburg, Virginia, been included in the Menagerie exhibit at the Fine Arts Center in Pulaski, Virginia and displayed in exhibits at the Glade Church Gallery in Blacksburg, Va. She is also an avid craftsman and participates in local crafts fairs.