Karen is an artist in many aspects of her life. She is a singer and songwriter. She is a poet and is currently writing a book. Karen first began painting at the age of 10 and has been painting ever since. She finds painting to be relaxing and it just makes her feel good. She states that the colors she chooses depends upon her mood. Karen works in both watercolor and acrylic paint. Karen tells us that her greatest pleasure is to sell a painting so that she may contribute to her family for the first time in her adulthood. Karen attends the UCP Independent Living Program.