About the Artist

I’m a self-taught watercolor artist who came to painting after years exploring photography, mosaic, and collage. Retirement gave me the gift of time to dive into watercolors — a medium that celebrates the unpredictable, intuitive, and organic qualities I’ve always been drawn to. I quickly fell in love.

I paint with a spirit of exploration, layering vibrant pigments onto wet paper using pipettes and small cups to create flowing textures and dynamic forms. While I occasionally work from sketches or reference photos, my favorite pieces emerge when I let the pigment lead — resulting in abstract landscapes and natural shapes that feel both familiar and dreamlike.

Texture is central to my work. It reflects the raw elegance of nature and the way light, weather, and time shape the world around us. I approach each painting with passion and perseverance, believing that art is a living, evolving process.

Beyond painting, I love gardening, designing landscapes, and creating habitats for pollinators. My days are often shared with my family and our four dogs.

My work has been shown in juried exhibitions including the Treasure Valley Artist Alliance OPUS 2025, the Pacific Northwest Regional Art Show, and Arts Alive! in Humboldt County, CA. Each opportunity has deepened my appreciation for the ways art connects people and place.

Welcome to Karyn Joy Art. I hope my paintings offer a moment of connection, reflection, and wonder — proof that creativity has no age limit and no bounds.

© 2025 Karyn Neklason. All artwork and images are the property of Karyn Joy Art and may not be reproduced or used without permission.