About the Artist

I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi surrounded by Southern culture. As a child, I loved to draw. My mother, Carroll W. Karlak, was a watercolor artist and encouraged my artistic efforts. After I grew up, I moved away from Mississippi and from creating visual art altogether as I worked as a lawyer and homeschooled my children in California, Oklahoma, and Iowa. Now that I've retired from active law practice, I have been able to devote time to painting.

I currently live in central Iowa with my family, a large Newfoundand dog, and several cats. My passions -- beyond painting -- include experiencing live music, especially traditional jazz; traveling; and reading.