Karen Helfeld Israel

Karen Israel’s pastel paintings are defined by their dynamic compositions and unique viewpoints.

Karen is an experienced teacher in pastel technique and the principles of art and she enjoys seeing the enormous progress made by her students.

Over the years, Her work has won numerous awards in national and international juried exhibits, dating back to 2011.

In 2019,Karen’s work won Best in Show at the Pastel Society of the West Coast’s National exhibit and the Flora Giffuni Memorial Award with the American Artist’s Professional League.

In June 2020,Karen was a featured artist on Artsy Shark and her work has placed in the Pastel Journal Magazines top 100,in 2012, 2014,2018 and 2021.

Karen’s work is featured in Practique Des Arts Volume #153 Sept 2020 and #47 April 2018.

Her 5 pastels are honored with its inclusion in an exhibition at Pastels of the World in Bourbonnais, France in May 2022. This exhibit honors American Women Pastelists.

Karen Helfeld Israel American pastel painting

Karen Helfeld Israel American pastel painting

View Karen Israel Paintings

Karen’s work has been included in a traveling exhibit at the Lyman Allyn Museum, the New Haven Museum and the Connecticut River Museum. Her work is part of the permanent collection, New Haven Paint and Clay.


Karen Israel website