Karen Elkan

Artist Statement

I am an artist who grew up in Kalispell and have always loved creating art. I studied with Ace Powell as a teen, and he introduced me to painting and western art. I spent many years living in upstate New York, and have finally returned to my hometown. Montana provides much inspiration for art.
My work is primarily in pastels, although I also work in graphite and oil. My subjects are western, with a focus on rodeo events. Between the mountains, the wildlife, and rodeo events, Montana has enough inspiration to satisfy my desire for subject matter.