Painting the natural world is a spiritual practice for me.  Working in soft pastels, I paint plein air and in the studio.  Being able to capture the landscape of the Northwest and put it on paper is a wonderful blessing in my life.  I began painting at the age of 71 and have no formal art education.  Like a thirsty sponge, I’ve taken classes, workshops and demonstrations for years, and have learned from local generous pastelists and, thanks to Zoom, from international pastel teachers.  Growing up, my favorite Christmas gift every year was a box of new crayons, starting with the 12 crayon box in the 50’s.  (Crayola now makes a box with 128 crayons!)  Soft pastels have the same immediacy that I loved with crayons – no brushes, just a stick of pure pigment in your hand.  At times I begin a painting with a watercolor or alcohol underpainting and then apply the pastels.  I was honored to be selected as a juried member of the Pastel Society of America in 2020. Retired since 2018, I’ve been combining painting with my work as a Spiritual Director and Lay Minister at First Unitarian.  As the former Executive Director of Bienestar, I am also active in affordable housing and conservation still, serving on the Metro Bond Oversight Committee and OHCS’ Farmworker Housing advisory as well as the Board of Portland Audubon.  My art website is www.karenshawcross.com.