Guest Artist - Karla Horst

I’m pleased to introduce you to my new cover artist, Karla Horst! I hope you give her a warm welcome and that you look forward to seeing her talent in action with my covers, and possibly other art pertaining to the series. I wanted to get her out front for all of you to get to know her and see some of her past art. Welcome to the world of the Djen, Karla! You are now part of my most excellent team. I am hoping this little article will help me and my fans get to know you better. You never know, some of them might hit you up to do a painting for them. 

For you readers, I hope you enjoy Karla's art work as you read the article!

First, tell me about yourself. Family? Work? –

I am a Colorado Native, lived here all my life except for 6 months in Kansas, staying with my sister and working two jobs, one was at Hallmark cards - should have stayed but got so homesick for Colorado and the mountains. I grew up in Arvada, with 3 brothers, a sister and always lots of pets. A bit of a tomboy, I enjoyed playing in the dirt, which is why I probably love gardening. I have worn many hats over the years one was being a florist for 15 years. Art has always been a part of my life and I decided to see about incorporated it into a career so I went back to school and received a degree in graphic design and Illustration. I then decided I preferred the fine art and followed my heart. I am now at a few galleries in Colorado as well as selling at Fineartamerica and from my website artistkarla.co.

I know that you do portraits of animals from pictures. I’m sure people love to have a painting of their beloved pet. Has that been pretty successful for you? –

I love animals. I am working on a series right now of wildlife in the Rocky Mountains. As far as the commissioned pieces, it started with one person asking if I would do a piece for them and it has grown from there. I hope to start some work with my own dogs for a book I am writing and illustrating. I love cats and dogs but will paint just about anything so if anyone wants a commission piece they may leave a message on my website.

Tell us about your work with Vitamin Cottage, one of my favorite stores. –

I worked with Vitamin Cottage, now Natural Grocers for over 13 years and managed the Health & Beauty department. I loved merchandising and creating fun endcap displays. They would also let me display my art in the store I worked at. So that was awesome. I then left to work as a sales representative in the health industry and to spend more time with my art. I started making my art into cards (also prints and journals) to sell at the galleries. Just recently I was able to get my cards and mini journals placed at Natural Grocers. I am in most of the Colorado stores.

What got you started in doing art for commission? –

People would ask and I liking the challenge said yes. It was the same when I was a florist. Finding a way to take their ideas, or just photos, and capture the energy, the essence of what they wanted brought me joy. I feel we are all here to share our talents.

If you could go anywhere on vacation tomorrow, where would it be? –

Well it is funny you should mention that but next week we are heading up to Breckenridge, but anywhere in the mountains feeds my soul. Then to the other extreme, I love the ocean and diving. Third would be going to explore Europe, Tuscany is coming up then we will put Ireland on the list. I have been to Scotland and England and it brought up some feelings of belonging there...

How’s the painting for Lore’s cover coming along? –

Finished! Now we just have to prepare it for when it is ready to go to press. It was a challenge getting the colors just right but it was fun to do! I usually work with mostly watercolor and this painting is done with acrylic. I was able to at least change it easier as we headed in the right direction of what needed to be accomplished.

Are you interested in doing all of my covers, and maybe some other writers’ covers? –

I am open to doing most everything. It allows me to grow as an artist when I challenge myself and sometimes others to achieve the desired goals.

Thanks for being a sport and answering all of my questions. I hope some of my readers leave you a comment. It’s always fun to get to know the people behind the scenes.

Love, Lisa