Painter and Gallerist, Karen Hewitt Hagan, is living the quintessential life of an accomplished artist. The Florence, S.C. native has taught painting in Charleston, Italy, the Bahamas, and France. Her works are collected nationally as well and are in the permanent collection of fine resorts like The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. She is also a frequent juror for Plein Air Magazine’s art competitions.

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Facebook: facebook.com/karenhewitthagan

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"She has an innate sense of color and composition and when it is coupled with the way she handles the media, magic occurs." - Quote from Theresa Golas, Director of The Iredell Museums (Statesville, NC).

Though she’s traveled the world, lived aboard a boat (aptly named Plein Air) she says Charleston continues to be her calm, stable source of inspiration. “If I were marooned in just one place on earth, I’d want it to be Charleston. With almost three decades of study of the masters, teaching and painting I describe my paintings as painterly, loose, and juicy. They’re colorful, and hopefully, full of light. Most people call me an impressionistic landscape painter, but I resist putting titles on myself because I always want to explore. While I hold true to traditional drawing and composition methods, I want to experiment and push the boundaries of painting.”

Hagan is also a breast cancer survivor. That experience changed her perspective on her life and work. “I’ve had a whole lot of changes in the last decade, moving back to land, helping to renovate many houses, founding a gallery and marrying the love of my life (Tommy Smith). I’ve found that my paintings follow my heart, and what’s happening with my emotions usually flow through my brush. I’m in a really good place now and feel very grateful to be healthy, especially happy, and painting every day!” says Karen.