Is there a fine art paper capable of showcasing the inner character of your portrait subjects?

SEE HOW WE PROVIDED THIS CHOCTAW ARTIST WITH “GAME-CHANGER” PRODUCTS FOR HER ART PRINTS.

Steeped in Choctaw Culture

In her compelling oil portraits of Native women, Karen Clarkson looks beyond physical allure. The self-taught artist from Prescott, Arizona, draws inspiration from her Choctaw heritage, portraying women who navigate both Native and Anglo cultures. Her subjects emerge as fully realized individuals, their expressions spanning the spectrum of human emotion while maintaining an air of mystery.

Enter Red River Paper

Using high-quality paper for her art prints is crucial to Karen. “Red River Paper products have been a game-changer for me,” she says. “My prints have never looked better and the customer service is second to none.” Karen’s preferred products are our 60lb. Premium Matte Plus and 60lb. Polar Matte Greeting Cards, both featuring an ultra-smooth, non-reflective, bright white surface that’s perfect for reproducing original artwork. “The fact that I can get specific guidance according to my Canon Pro printer has proven invaluable,” Karen adds.

See More of Karen’s Work

Discover Karen’s work through multiple channels via this online portal. Her striking portraits of Native women are featured at Blue Rain Gallery, while the gallery’s recent podcast delves into Karen’s artistic influences. For deeper insight into how she balances aesthetic beauty with social activism, read her illuminating interview in Tidings of Magpies magazine.

Enjoy our Q&A with Karen Clarkson ...

What year was your business founded and how did you get started?
My business, ClarksonArt.com, LLC was founded in 2017.

Tell us a little about what product or service your business offers.
In my art business, I create in a variety of different mediums. I am known for my realistic portraits as well as my symbolic representation of Choctaw stories and myths.

What makes your business unique?
I am committed to portraying Native people, especially women and children, in a positive and empowering way. My art is sometimes compared to that of Norman Rockwell.

Where do you source your raw materials from?
I run a one-woman business and take the time to source materials from a variety of places. Customer service and product reliability are at the top of my list. I have found my collection of matted prints looks best when done on quality paper. Red River Products has been a game changer for me. My prints have never looked better and the customer service I have received is second to none.

In what ways does the business reflect your own personality?
My business is all about sharing a sense of beauty and empowerment. I love it when I am told my art has made a difference in someone’s life. I do all my own creations, reproductions, outreach, and advertisement. I set my own budget and benefit from close relationships with models and photographers.

Who are your typical customers?
My customers are people I meet in person at art shows as well as those who have found me online through social media. My art is created in my home studio but is seen through various galleries and platforms as well.

What is the most interesting project you've encountered in the course of your work?
Lately I have been working in new venues such as licensing. In this way I can sell to movie sets, casinos, resorts, and even service centers. As my work in these areas has widened, I am also asked to provide bespoke originals, which I love to do.

What has Red River Paper done for your business? Is there a particular challenge Red River Paper helped you overcome or a goal they helped you meet?
Recently I found using RRP’s card paper has really upped my game. I have always found great customer support whenever I have called in. The fact I can get specific guidance according to my Canon Pro printer has proven invaluable. I’m also grateful that my products have been packaged with such care that I never wonder if my shipment will arrive in good shape.

Which Red River Paper products do you use, and what do you appreciate most about them?
I have used the 60lb. Polar 6.25x9 Greeting Cards and the 60lb. Premium Matte Plus 8.5x11 paper. These products have never had an issue getting stuck in my printer and always make my art look top-notch. Sometimes I find using my Mac is an issue as far as layout goes, but this has not been a problem.

How can people purchase your products/service?
I have many options for people to see and purchase my art. The best way determine which platform is best for you is to go to https://linktr.ee/clarksonart.

Do you have any future growth plans?
I plan to keep creating and illustrating Choctaw myths and legends. Recently my work has been included in such movies as “The Echo.” But what is most gratifying is that my work is finding its way into the homes and workplaces of Choctaw people everywhere. Because RRP paper is financially available to many artists due to its affordability, we can provide a superior product to our customers. Thank you — our customers definitely recognize your quality!

Would you like to share a customer testimonial?
One of my recent customers ordered a print and this is what she said: "I can't express how much I love this. As someone who has been struggling to express, in a very corporate setting, their background and culture — this was the perfect start. It's been a real conversation starter and I have enjoyed being able to easily share more with the folks who are in and out of my office. It's beautiful. Thank you for sharing your art with the world!”

Original Publication Date: December 30, 2024

Article Last updated: December 30, 2024

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