Most of Karen's work begins with fieldwork and field studies. Additional studies are then created in the studio, incorporating morphometrics, species details, conservation notes, color studies, and other aspects that help her prepare for the final piece. It's not uncommon to find a coffee stain, note about the surroundings, a paw print, or some other personal detail on the studies. There is no formula and each study is unique.
Karen didn't used to sell her studies, as she would use them over and over as she took on new subjects in the same species. She would, however, often bring her studies on the road to shows and use them to help people understand her process. Many of her clients asked if the studies were for sale, and one day she said "yes." From that day forward, her clients commonly purchase one of more studies along with an original painting.
As demand for studies has increased, Karen has begun to release them from the flat files, and several of them are now available for purchase both in the Karen Talbot Art Gallery in Rockland, Maine and online. There are many more studies available then the selection here, so if there is one for which you are specifically looking and you don't see it, feel free to email Karen at Karen@KarenTalbotArt.com.