Karen Shaw started riding at the Stanford Stables in Palo Alto, California at the age of six. Her passion for drawing horses began at the same time. Even in her early years, Karen was devoted to portraying the equine physiology and personality accurately in her work. As a teen, she competed in English and Western competitions on her own horses.

She has fond memories of riding in England when her family spent a year there, honing her riding skills as well as competing. Upon her family's return to Stanford, her preferences in riding, and in the subjects for her artistic interests, turned to quarter horses and the Western disciplines.

Her focus on the anatomy and beauty of the many horses she got to know are reflected in her artistic style, and greatly aided her development as a rider. Karen trained professionally for many years, but now concentrates on her own horses. Karen boards her horses at a stable in Portola Valley, California, and still teaches and trains part-time.

Karen works with graphite (pencil), Conte crayons, pastels,   colored pencils and charcoal.

                                                             Karen is expanding her portfolio of bronze sculpture.