Karen Rolfes, Painter
Interview Completed by Kate Rolfes
What did you study in school?
I was in the college of business administration and majored in marketing at Miami University in Ohio.
What is an average day like for you?
Once my youngest son leaves for school, I tend to structure my painting on what I need to get done that day. I usually spend between four and eight hours in my studio. Some days it’s more painting and other days it’s dealing with clients, dropping off/shipping paintings, picking up supplies and other administrative aspects.
What do you find most challenging?
When I go to a client’s home for a commission and they have a very clear-cut idea of what they would like me to paint. It’s very difficult to see into someone’s imagination. Sometimes these visits make me nervous because I’m unsure that I understood the client perfectly but no matter how nervous I am, I’m mostly excited because of the challenge it presents.
How did you get to where you are today? What experiences did you have enabled you to reach the position that you have today?
When my third child was little, I bought into the Benetton franchise and opened three stores in the Cincinnati area. After about 5 years and with two small children, I decided to be done with that. My mom’s family owned an interior design store and I was really interested in that and colors. I asked my uncle, who was a painter, if he had any advice and what he thought of my paintings. Essentially he told me I had talent but I needed a lot of work to grow my talent. He had a lot of suggestions for art schools for me to attend. He also suggested art teachers around the city, which is when I found my main teacher in Cincinnati. So then I jumped into painting heart and soul and took loads of classes around the country. I started experimenting with my style too and seeing what people liked. I would always go and set up a booth at the city’s flower show to just get my name out there and receive more feedback. Then my work started to catch on and I began taking private orders. Now I still take private commissions but also paint subject matters I enjoy.
What advice would you give to the young artist who is interested in being a painter?
DON’T GIVE UP! Follow your passion and things will work out.
Feel free to contact Karen at karenrolfes@fuse.net or on her website!
http://www.karenrolfes.com/
