Here we are on day four of the Pay It Forward winners!

Are you amazed by the talent of these incredible artists??

I know I am.

Today I would like you to meet Karen Cannon.

I love the idea of your Pay It Forward Contest! 

If not for so many talented and encouraging women, I wouldn't be where I am today. 

Two years ago, I had shoulder surgery and was out of work for a couple of months. (I am a full time psychiatric nurse).  To pass the time, I started reading art blogs.  The more I read, the more I became inspired to start painting again. 

I've painted since the age of four, when I won my first art contest.  Needless to say, I've become a bit better since then but I still love the primitive style I used in my "Noah's Art" painting in kindergarten!  Anyway, I began to paint and read blogs.  My painting led to an abundance of canvases and the decision to start my own blog.  My blog has gone through a facelift since the early days and I don't spend as much time on it as I wish but my job is very busy so unfortunately it sits on the back burner.  As I continued to paint, I decided to try to sell my paintings on Ebay.  That was like diving into the deep end of the pool the first time!  I had already opened a shop on Etsy but was curious to see how I would fare on Ebay.  I was successful on my first painting and was then hooked!  After several paintings sold, I got a message from a wonderful individual who asked me if I was interested in selling with her store.  She represented a group of folk artists and loved my work and wanted to represent me.  I was over the moon!!  I sold art with the Collect ArtWork group for 9 months and met a great group of artists.We are all selling on our own now but it was a great experience! 

My goal is to be able to paint full time.  I love psychiatric nursing but painting soothes my soul.  I want to have a peaceful life, filled with color and shapes and texture.  For now, I paint in my spare time and sell online and in galleries.  I meet wonderful people on Facebook, Twitter and on blogs. 

An artists life is an amazing life and I lead it everyday!

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Thank you Karen for letting us get to know you better.

You can find Karen's blog HERE.

Karen's art is available HERE.

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The winner of yesterday's Peach Evolution Design giveaway is

Sara from Dream Big.

Congratulations!!!