Karen Habblitz is an award-winning artist who resides in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. She specializes in detailed, representational paintings of people, places and animals. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership for Higher Education, a Master of Fine Arts degree from Utah State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ringling College of Art & Design.

Karen worked professionally as an illustrator, designer and commercial artist for many years. Additionally, she taught college-level art, design and digital classes. Later, she went on to hold numerous academic leadership positions, which included Department Director, Dean and Campus President.

In 2017, Karen stepped away from academia in order to take care of her ailing mother. During this time, Karen was able to return to her first love of painting, and Habblitz Studios was born.