Karen Vance was born in Chicago into the Swartwout family of artists, of six generations.  Her upbringing and education; the Art Institute of Chicago, Village Art School in Skokie, Denver Art Student’s League and Northern Illinois University brought her to her passion and profession.

Vance’s art career includes nearly 12 years as a graphic artist and the past 20 years creating fine art professionally.  Karen’s paintings have found their place in Wells Fargo Bank of Denver, First Interstate Bank of Wyoming and Montana, The Grand County Historical Association, Winter Park Resort Association, the Winter Park Arlberg Club, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort, the and in the notable private collections of  Sharon Magnus, Rob and Terri Ryan, Shirley and Tuffy Holland, Bob and Paige Lee and fellow artists; Quang Ho, Hollis Williford and Russell Chatham.  Vance is a member of the National Arts Club, and California Art Club, a Signature Member of the National Academy of Professional Plein Air Painters and Emeritus Signature Member of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters, and is also a Master Signature Member of American Women Artists.

Shows and Awards include: Buffalo Bill Cody Auction – Judge’s Honorable Mention and People’s Choice Award; the C.M. Russell Auction – People’s Choice Award and Arlene Hooker Fay Memorial Award; the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters – Best of Show, and Publisher’s Choice Award from Plein Air Magazine;   the Colorado Governor's Invitational - Best of Show; Plein Air Painters of America - Guest Artist: American Women Artists – Guest Artist; The Bradford Brinton Museum Invitational; the Greeley Western Stampede; Hockaday Museum’s Miniature Show; Montana Land Reliance &  Treasure State Show Hamilton, Montana and 10 – “sold out” solo shows since 1999.

Karen has been featured in Art of the West,  Southwest Art,  Wildlife Art, Inform Art, Magazines and in the book, “Enchanted Isle: The History of Plein Air Painting on Santa Catalina Island”.  Vance has been awarded a 2006-2007 Residency and Exhibition at Yosemite National Park that will also include a painting for the National Park’s permanent collection.  Karen teaches workshops and was awarded a teaching grant from the Buffalo Bill Cody Historical Museum

In February of 2006, Karen received a 100 painting commission.  This group of paintings will depict images of Grand County, Colorado, and will be permanently installed at the Five Starr Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort, 10 miles North of Winter Park, Colorado.  A book of this collection will be published and available in 2008.