The Vintage Contessa

It is a tantalizing array of frou-frou and advance stages of decay.

You are here: Home / Posts / Karen Persson for AGELESS STYLE

in Posts

Karen Persson for AGELESS STYLE

Karen Persson

Karen tell us a brief bit about who you are and how did you end up in HOLLAND?
At age 19-1/2 I left Palo Alto, California, to study art in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Studying art in Europe was always a dream of mine and it was more a challenge to go where I had to learn a new language.
The only thing I was certain of was that I was accepted at the Royal Academy of Art for the 5 year study.
Besides that I didn’t know the language, didn’t know a soul, where I’d live and had only my own savings.
I learned the language on my own, using comic books in the beginning.
After a year I met my now ex who I later married.
To make a long story short, I’ve been in the Netherlands now 49 years working as a professional artist with a most amazing large studio in the old city center.
My specialties are portraits and illustrations in oil or watercolor.
My free work is a bit more abstract.
I also give private art lessons.

 

As an artist’s work is done in solitude I love having a part-time job and now have been working for Apple more than 3 years. They embrace diversity, thus age is no problem!
It’s so fun and inspiring to work there as it’s like a family for me.
Keeps also your brain young with all the learning!

California remains in my roots.
Each year I visit at least once or twice although in 2020 I made the trip only once.
I was to be there during the nail biting election!
I still would love to move back but whether that’s wise????

My style has definitely evolved after living in the Netherlands for so many years.
How to describe it: modern, artistic, with a mix of classic along with trendy pieces.
Everyone says I’m very stylish and a fashionista.
I love dressing nicely even during lockdown and I’m not going to see anyone.
Even my workout outfits are fashionable and pretty!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ACCESSORY?
 A hard choice but jewellery is my favorite which I wear every day. One of my favorites is the large gold ring with a blue topaz my cousin designed for me. Besides that I always wear my mother’s “first” engagement ring which was from her British fiancé, an Officer in the Royal Navy, who lost his life in WWII when his ship got torpedoed. Very sad…. That ring I wear stacked with 3 other rings, every day.

COLOR COMBO’S:
ARE YOU A BLACK & WHITE GAL OR MORE BEIGE & WHITE?
 COLORS!
As an artist I love colors!
I usually wear colors, dark blue, red, hot pink, green, but also black.
In the summer I wear a lot of white which I love wearing.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHOP TO SHOP FOR CLOTHING IN HOLLAND AND CALIFORNIA?
Oh la la… My favorite shop in the Netherlands:
The Bijenkorf which means beehive and is the largest, top quality department store in the Netherlands.
A sort of mixture between Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
I also worked there for 10-1/2 months.
For smaller shops I also love a tiny boutique called Hof Fashion (love the jewellery) and Max Mara.
In California I love going to Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus (expensive!) and Bloomingdale’s.
All of the mentioned shops are fun to walk around to check out the inspiring items plus how they display things.
DO YOU FOLLOW FASHION TRENDS?
Some trends I follow if I feel they suit me and can use them for a long time.
I never buy something that I’ll just use for a month or so.

ARE YOU MORE EUROPEAN OR AMERICAN?
Good question!
My character and style has definitely become more European.
Many people think I’m French because of my style but perhaps they’re influenced by the French berets that I wear! I’ve learned much more about fashion and style since I’ve lived here, plus my own character has developed more.
  My roots remain Californian, especially from the Bay Area with all the free spirit and Silicon Valley way of thinking.
The entrepreneurs, people developing new ideas and daring to go after their dreams.
Even though California has changed a lot the last 49 years but I still love it.

 

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICED TO CHANGE ABOUT THE AGING PROCESS?
YOUR SKIN,HAIR,BONE LOSS?
 Oh that ?…
First I noticed the cellulite on my thighs?
When I reached menopause and immediately decided I needed to join a gym.
After that.. the wrinkles but besides that I’m happy that I’m healthy and have soft skin.
Luckily I don’t have a double chin!

 Karen’s Artwork
DO YOU CHERISH YOUR FRIENDSHIPS MORE NOW THAN EVER?
 Definitely! Classmates from elementary school who I’ve known since I was 6 I still communicate with daily.
Also my best friend I’ve known since I was 12, who lives in California.
We’ve been emailing one another long emails, like a diary, since January 1999.
We first had sent yearly Christmas cards until we finally realized we could email one another!

 

Karen’s Artwork

 

WHO WAS YOUR MUSE GROWING UP?
HOW ABOUT TODAY?
That’s a tough one. Picasso was always my main inspiration for many years but now for art it’s more Matisse and David Hockney. For fashion and way of thinking: Chanel, Denise Boomkens (instagram @and.bloom), Kat Farmer (instagram @doesmybumlook40) and of course THE VINTAGE CONTESSA who is back on INSTAGRAM under Contessa and her pig!
DESCRIBE WHAT YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS ARE TODAY?
 Being able to throw things together to make a great outfit using old, new, second-hand, expensive or inexpensive items. Knowing what suits my personality and daring to wear a lot of color or an unusual combination.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE (CAN’T DO WITHOUT) MAKE UP PRODUCT AND WHY?
 Chanel lipstick… and concealer!
I love the lipsticks with the great colors.
Also no awful fragrance.
As for the concealer.. always perfect to make you look healthy!
Karen’s ARTWORK!
 
WHAT BOOK HAVE YOU READ LATELY THAT WE MIGHT ENJOY?
My latest book was Disloyal by Michael Cohen (hope you’re also glad Trump has left the WH!).
A very interesting book telling about what it was like working with Trump before and during his presidency.
What an awful man who cares only about himself and avoids paying bills.
Now I’m about to start Rage, by Bob Woodward.
 
IF ONE WERE TO BE ABLE TO TRAVEL AGAIN WHAT SHOULD ONE SEE IN HOLLAND?
CAN YOU GIVE US A RUN DOWN OF WHAT TO SEE AND DO PLEASE!

So much to see in the Netherlands!

Amsterdam and The Hague are a must.

Such beautiful cities with amazing history and beautiful architecture.

Also the museums like Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.

In The Hague the Mauritshuis is a must.

It’s my favorite museum which is small and has the most amazing collection of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Jan Steen, etc. paintings.

Maastricht, near Belgium is also a favorite city of mine.

Visiting the windmills is another must!

KAREN,

Thank you so much for answering my questions and sending me these photos!I enjoyed reading your answers VERY MUCH!Now, as most of you know with the exception of the new subscribers NOW WE ALL HEAD OVER to

CINDY HATTERSLEY’S BLOG to see her PICK for this months AGELESS STYLE.

That way you can visit TWO NEW WOMEN in their environment and connect or incorporate something they do to your DAILY LIFE!

TO FOLLOW KAREN ON INSTAGRAM TAP HERE AND FOLLOW.

 TO FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK click HERE

THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING AND LEAVING LOVELY COMMENTS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR KAREN SHE WILL ANSWER YOU DIRECTLY!

IN THE COMMENT AREA AFTER THE SUBSCRIPTION BOX…………KEEP SCROLLING DOWN!

SEIZE THE DAY EVERYONE………

THINGS ARE LOOKING A TAD BIT BETTER HERE IN CALIFORNIA!

We had a lot of rain and wind the last few days but the COVID patients in ICU IS GOING DOWN!

BE WELL!

XXX

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen is darling. I love her spunky style. Hey does Ari know about her or is she too young? I love her artwork as well. I always learn so much from the women we feature. I love Karen’s youthful attitude and joi de vivre. We must have her to one of our luncheons when things get back to normal and she is in the states!

    Reply

    • Dear Cindy,

      Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments! Actually I’m older than Elizabeth. Turned 69 on Dec. 20! As for Ari… he follows me on Instagram but he’s never spoken to me! I love his photographs and character!

      I’ve been to two luncheons with Elizabeth but the second one was just the two of us. Would love to meet you at a luncheon!

      Love,
      Karen

      Reply

  2. Oh I love Karen ~ she always reminds me of Peter Pan (except a girl) ~ cute pixie and always young and stylish.

    Great blog.
    Love
    Amanda

    Reply

  3. Great choice Elizabeth. Just right for me. Karen is not only an artist but also works for Apple. How perfect is that? I love her style and she’s right, she has a petite French vibe. I also adore the Mauritshois museum. So Karen is an absolute delight! Oh , I must follow her on Instagram.

    Reply

    • Thank you, Sandra! Such wonderful compliments! So cool that you’ve also been to the Mauritshuis! I love that place. Your style is also amazing! I follow you on Instagram!

      Reply

  4. Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for the wonderful interview and article with great choices of photos! I love it and I’m so honoured that you asked me!

    Love,

    Karenxoxo

    Reply

  5. Karen has been my friend and art teacher for more than 4 years. Personally and professionally, she is always an inspiration to help me grow as an artist and fashionista. We met on FB when I was only planning to live in the Netherlands for a short while. But she help me find our apartment and get established in The Hague where we plan to stay indefinitely. I am very grateful for her guidance and inspiration! Jude Siefker

    Reply

    • Thank you, Jude, for saying such wonderful things! It’s been really great getting to know you and Darrell and to help you grow with your artwork!

      Reply

  6. How cute is Karen!! Love her style and her art is beautiful!! Also, I appreciate that California remains in her soul after being away all these years!! xo

    Reply

    • Thank you, Tracy!

      Such beautiful compliments! Yes, California has to remain in me. I love California! xox

      Reply

  7. What a delightful article! About a delightful woman! Karen sounds like a very voguish, glamorous and snazzy dresser, but down-to-earth, not superficial as often goes hand-in-hand with people concerned about their looks. I love her excellent taste in clothes, art, books, museums and places. What’s not to love? Holland became a better place when she decided to move here. Her love of art is obvious by her determination to come over without knowing a soul, the language, or her way around. Her love of life speaks for itself. I’m looking forward to reading another article about Karen in the future, to find out her thoughts on other topics. I’m sure she can make any subject fascinating!

    Reply

  8. Knowing Karen for may years, she stayed my closest friend to share what you hardly share with someone else. She made beautiful portraits for me, one is pictured. We had wonderful times at the seaside, where I photographed her. Going out with her was also a dress party, what hat should I wear?Thanks Karen, miss you in Africa

    Reply

    • Aw… sweet, Hans!

      Thank you so much for the touching compliments and mentioning the fun things we did in the past. Your style is amazing, and your knowledge about art so inspiring. I do miss you, too! Hope to see you in Africa sometime!

      Love,

      Karenxxo

      Reply

  9. I have known Karen since eighth grade. She was always spunky, full of ideas, and every chance she got, she worked on her paintings. I can’t remember if she was fashionable back then — it was all blue jeans in those days — but look at her now! She hasn’t changed a bit and for that we can all be grateful. Hooray for Karen!

    Reply

    • Dear Jeff!

      Such a sweet surprise to have you write a comment and to mention knowing me since the 8th grade. We went steady which I’ll never forget. I guess I shouldn’t have broken up???? As for being fashionably dressed back then? I know I did love fashion but I also loved wearing jeans!

      You also still look so handsome! Hope to see you sometime in the Bay Area or LA when I visit CA again this year.

      Love,
      Karenxoxo

      Reply

  10. I love Karen’s funky style and her paintings are beautiful. I’ve never been to Holland but my husband’s family on his dad’s side is Dutch. We hope to visit one day and I want it to be during tulip time.

    Reply

    • Hi Lorna!

      Thank you for the delightful compliments, also about my artwork!

      Yes, you need to come to the Netherlands. The art and the tulips, among other things are so beautiful. How cool that your dad’s family is Dutch! Btw, I have zero Dutch blood, at least not that I know of!

      Reply

  11. Love meeting Karen … wow, she is an amazing artist. You always bring us the most interesting women. I’ve never been to the Netherlands and it’s on my list of places to see when we’re able to travel again. Such an enjoyable read! Now off to see who Cindy’s featuring! xo

    Reply

    • Hi Juliet!

      Such a sweet compliment! Yes, you must come to the Netherlands when it’s safer to travel. So many beautiful things to do and see.

      Take care,
      Karenxox

      Reply

  12. Love Karen’s style. I’m coveting all her berets. Since letting my own hair grow out during lockdown I’m loving all the amazing women like Karen who reinforce my decision to go silver. So lovely to meet you, Karen.

    Reply

    • Thank you, Sue, for the marvelous compliments! Oh yes, I love berets and have all different colors. My favourite brand is the French one called Laulhère which are handmade. Check out their website. The exclusive ones are to die for. Btw, my hair isn’t grey… but is colored blond. The natural color is getting more gray/white, though! Go for it!

      xox

      Reply

  13. Love Karen’s style. I’m coveting all her beautiful berets. They look fabulous. Since letting my own hair grow out during lockdown I’m inspired by all the amazing women like Karen who reinforce my decision to go silver. So lovely to meet you, Karen. ?

    Reply

  14. Karen I adore your style and youthfulness, and I could visit with you about The Netherlands all day long. I lived there three years in the late 70’s in Wassenaar which is near The Hague. As the wife of an executive I was the welcome hostesses for the corporation and toured incoming u.s. wives around. I have returned several times and have a blogging friend in Amsterdam who met our large group of friends when we arrived on a river cruise. She had worked out a walking tour for us and then we all went to lunch at the Bijenkorf which you know has an amazing food court. Whew… I am taking up too much room! Oh how I need to figure out Instagram! Tot ziens, Janey

    Reply

    • Hi Janey!

      Such a great response you wrote! Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments! Cool that you lived in Wassnaar! Such a lovely town. Sort of like Atherton if you know the Palo Alto area where I grew up. What a great experience that must have been for you!
      Yes, the Bijenkorf has an excellent food court! I love dining there. Hope to see you sometime when you come to the Netherlands!

      Tot ziens!

      Karen

      Reply

  15. Karen has TERRIFIC style! I loved every clothing item she modeled – and she looks great in all the outfits. I wish that I had the guts to stop coloring my hair – it would be so much healthier for me. Elizabeth, thank you for sharing another lovely Ageless Style lady with us.

    Reply

    • Hi Kathy!

      Such great compliments about my style and clothing! Thank you! It’s so fun to play with fashion. Btw, my hair is colored although the natural color is becoming more and more gray/white! I think having it colored adds a bit more life to it. 🙂

      Reply

  16. VIA EMAIL:
    There are 75 million of us that are not happy that Trump is out of the WH. Shame that the Main Street media is the only news she is receiving. Please, no more political comments when I was so enjoying the article until then.

    Reply

    • Sad to hear that someone felt that way about the one comment of mine about the election. We all must move and make the best of America!

      Reply

        • Hi Pierrette,

          Thank you for your support! So glad you and more than 80 million Americans also agree with me! We’re moving towards a better America now!

          Thank you for the compliment about my style!

          Karen

          Reply

    • To this commenter: With all due respect, Republican friends tell me that now the number is less than 75 million after the instigated deadly attack on the Capitol and the lack of a national vaccine roll-out plan,

      Reply

  17. Karen, a woman who lives and loves color! A woman after my heart. Her art is from
    the heart, showcasing her talent for light, mood, and color on canvas. The pieces look to be large scale? Carry on Karen! The world needs more colorful souls like you!!

    Reply

    • Wow, Andrea!

      Such great compliments and thoughts you wrote! Thank you! Yes, color is so important to me! I feel so easily each day that I need to wear a certain color. Even my eye shadow!! Ha ha ha ha… Such wonderful words you also said about my art. It is definitely from my heart. Some pieces are large and some are smaller. Btw, your Instagram page also shows that you’re a very colorful soul!

      Love,
      Karenxxo

      Reply

  18. I’m also from the Netherlands. Funny that de Bijenkorf is her favorite departement store, I worked there . Karen makes beautiful art. Very nice to read her story.

    Reply

    • Hi Nancy!

      Hey, we can actually speak Dutch together but then not everyone can read what we say! Cool that you’re also from the Netherlands also worked at the Bijenkorf. I only worked there for 10-1/2 months, right before I started working for Apple. Thank you for the wonderful compliments!

      Groetjes,

      Karen

      Reply

  19. Hi Karen I think you are very lucky to live in the Netherlands … it is a fabulous place with a great lifestyle. I used to live in the north east of the UK and it was easier to travel to Amsterdam than London to shop. I also love De Bijenkorf but I really miss the wonderful Cora Kemperman for affordable unusual clothes. I would sometimes fly over for a day of shopping and come back laden with quirky artistic pieces. Best B

    Reply

    • Hi Barbara!

      Yes, the Netherlands is a wonderful place to live except for the weather! The UK is similar, which I’m sure you know. That must have been a great experience to live there and fun to be able to travel to Amsterdam so easily. Sadly now travel is really hard with Covid such problem. Yes, the Bijenkorf is an amazing department store although it has gotten to be more high end. I’ll need to check out Cora Kemperman’s clothing!

      Take care!
      Karen

      Reply

      • AND REPORT BACK TO ME KAREN!!!
        THIS WOMAN IS MY SISTER I HAVE NEVER MET BUT SHE IS A TEXTILE NUT AND KNOWS HER STUFF.BARBARA AND HER FABULOUS HUSBAND WERE PROFILED HERE IN THE AGELESS STYLE HALL OF FAME AS JUDITH CALLS IT ABOUT A YEAR AGO.THEY LIVE IN AN OLD CHURCH IN ENGLAND………..BY THE SEA!!!
        XXX

        Reply

  20. What a fun article! I would LOVE to study art abroad…as a newbie artist I can’t imagine a more incredible opportunity. It is so inspiring to see other women who are vibrant, well dressed, healthy and enjoying life as we age. Good health is such a big part of it ~we feel better, clothes look good and it provides energy to tackle new and exciting things. I do wish politics didn’t come into it. I personally have stopped watching it all because I think any kind of hatred for another individual diminishes part of your soul. I almost feel like there should be some sort of a warning label at the top so one can determine whether or not to read on! Ha! Love The Contessa and I think Karen is an extraordinary artist and person!

    Reply

    • THANK YOU MARY!
      FORTUNATELY THE NEWS WILL FADE AWAY NOW…………as the ITALIAN said the other night its BORING!
      I’ll take BORING NEWS any DAY of the WEEK.
      THAT MAN and his legacy is a NIGHTMARE and he dug his OWN HOLE.
      The TRUE Americans who live here and had to live through the last four years are just HAPPY TO BE ALIVE!
      I might add the HATRED came from THE TOP.I doubt he ever had a soul.And if he did……POOF! It’s GONE!
      Read the books, ………did you ever see THE MAN SMILE?
      THE DAMAGE HE HAS DONE IS IN EXCUSABLE.
      NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN ARE THE DEAD from COVID………….one of which was my immediate NEIGHBOR!
      Right….it’s “JUST A FLU” but hey you may die from it so let’s NOT MASK UP and PRETEND IT’s NOT HERE!
      Then YOU GET IT and go to one of the BEST HOSPITALS and survive it!Then YOU MUST GET IN CAR AND DO A DRIVE BY SHOWING EVERYONE LOOK I”M NOT DYING!!!
      THIS IS A PIECE OF CAKE!
      HE IS AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT AND WAS TOTALLY INEPT FOR THE JOB.
      I HOPE TO NEVER SAY HIS NAME AGAIN but if he CREEPS back into THAT NEWS I CANNOT PROMISE I CAN HOLD MY TONQUE!
      SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!
      THANK YOU FOR YOUR WELL STATED COMMENT!
      XXX

      Reply

    • HI Mary,

      Thank you for the wonderful compliments about my style and life as an artist! Fantastic that you’re a newbie artist! Go for it and enjoy as much as possible! Stay healthy and enjoy every day as much as possible.

      Elizabeth is right about the news. Now it’ll get quieter. We need to also focus on fighting Covid and improving the US for everyone. We need more peace and love, everywhere!

      Karen

      Reply

  21. Thankyou, always such great interviews of interesting, stylish women. Oh how I enjoy your posts, usually read whilst I sit up in bed eating my breakfast and downing my coffee. Hubby sitting in the window reading the paper , breakfast tray beside him., Refreshing my coffee when I whistle . What a man . It took 56 yrs of training haha.
    Thankyou again for the wonderful insights into other women’s lives and your own, with trials and tribulations.
    You help us all so much in so many ways. Love xxx

    Reply

    • Hi Jo,

      Your comments made me chuckle with what you wrote about your husband! He does sound perfectly trained even though it took 56 years! Thank you for the delightful compliments!

      Enjoy your reading in bed during breakfast and the cups of coffee!

      Karenxox

      Reply

    • OH THAT TRAINING PAYS OFF!!!!!!
      I GET COFFEE IN BED ON THE WEEKENDS!!IF I CAN REMAIN IN BED; SOMETIMES I AM READY TO SIT UP SO WE DO COFFEE IN THE KITCHEN!
      IT’s a GOOD HABIT TO PAR-TAKE IN!
      LUCKY YOU!
      XXX

      Reply

      • Ha ha ha ha… you make laugh, Elizabeth! I tell people you’re always such a hoot. I wish I were your neighbour!

        Glad you also trained The Italian so well and you even have a super professional espresso machine. I’ll come check it out in the late spring or early summer. 🙂

        Love,
        Karenxoxo

        Reply

  22. Another wonderful AGELESS STYLE post, CONTESSA! Karen is gorgeous. I love her style and her hair so cute. Her doggie portrait is stunning. I would love to visit Holland. Will add that to my Travel Dreams Pinterest board 🙂
    I also agree with Karen about mixing vintage, inexpensive with expensive pieces. Thanks for sharing her here, Elizabeth. I’ll click over to Cindy’s blog too.

    Reply

    • Dear Lisa,

      Such beautiful compliments! Thank you so much! The doggie portrait was so much fun to paint and it now is hanging in Healdsburg, California. Let me know if you come to the Netherlands! I’m a good guide and I can show you some of The Hague!

      Glad you also agree about mixing if different pieces! The best way to do it.

      Karen

      Reply

  24. What a delightful feature, Contessa. I enjoyed reading about Karen and seeing her stylish photos and lovely paintings. She has a Helen Mirren quality about her, very chic, dignified, and self-assured. I have passed through the amazing Schiphol airport many times, but never gotten to stay in Amsterdam for more than about six or eight hours at a time. It is my second favorite airport with good food and shops, and the nicest people you will ever meet. I saw the elegant Mary McDonnel the last time I was there! Back to Karen, she is such a lovely person and a perfect addition to the Ageless Style Hall of Fame!

    Reply

    • MARY MC DONNEL as in the DECORATOR from Los Angeles?I think I better GOOGLE YOUR MARY!!
      OH HOLLAND IS BEAUTIFUL……..I was there as a child then again about age 18.
      WOULDN’t it be fun to get ME and some of my readers together for a small trip!I WOULD LOVE THAT!
      KAREN COULD BE OUR TOUR GUIDE!
      FOOD FOR THOUGHT IN THESE COMING COVID FREE YEARS!!!
      XXX

      Reply

    • Dear Judith,

      Thank you so much for the delightful compliments! Wow, amazing to hear I resemble Helen Mirren! She’s so gorgeous. The Schiphol airport is indeed a very nice one, one of the best of the EU! Please visit the Netherlands sometime and let me know.

      And Elizabeth definitely should arrange a small trip for the readers! I’ll gladly be the tour guide!
      xox

      Reply

  25. Oh Karen- I love your style. You look great in hats! But I am especially enjoying poking around your artwork. I love your abstracts! Is watercolor your primary medium? Do you still do abstracts as well as figurative work?

    Hockney. LOVE. (I have a tiny copy of his illustrated Grims fairytales from 1969 I think it was. Oh to have one of his paintings!) are you also a fan of Elizabeth Peyton, Lucien Freud, and Alex Katz? Just curious… they are among my favorite figurative artists. Oh – may I please add Diebenkorn? I actually do have a print of one of his Matisse like works that I have owned for many years and I still adore. What I wouldn’t have given back in my days of active collecting to have been able to acquire an ocean park! Alas, that sort of purchase was never in my budget!

    I’m also curious how long it took you to learn Dutch. I tried teaching myself some many years ago – well, more specifically, oost vlaams to speak to my father-in-law, but since my then husband preferred for me NOT to learn any (so I wouldn’t know what was being said, I suspect), I only learned to speak a select number of useful phrases although after a few years I could understand at least 10% of the conversations! Thankfully, my in-laws were willing to speak French with me although it wasn’t their native language. Still, Dutch is tricky. And teaching yourself is even trickier! And of course it’s terribly easy for English speakers to get lazy in the Netherlands since the dutch speak English so well.

    What an interesting life it sounds like you have lead and continue to lead. Fantastic!

    Reply

    • Hi D.A.!

      Love your comments and questions! Btw, I just checked out your website and love it! I’ll check it out more later today. Thank you so much for the beautiful compliments and interesting questions. I do love those artists you mentioned! Peyton is so cool. Freud’s paintings are unbelievable as are Hockney’s and Diebenkorn. All very inspiring. Most of my work is done in watercolour (Winsor & Newton or Schminke) but some is done in oil paint.

      As for learning Dutch, I thought I took a year but according to my art school classmate and still good friend I spoke it within 6 months. At the art school back then there were only 2 other foreigners but now at least 40% are foreigners so it was more needed to learn the language. I wanted to which makes a difference. Great that you tried to learn it… but it’s a difficult language! Too bad your husband didn’t want you to follow the conversations! Ha ha ha ha… Btw, I love Flemish with the soft G. They use more French words, as well.

      Thanks so much for the inspiring comments and questions!
      xox

      Reply

  26. Hi Elizabeth,
    I enjoyed this interview so much! Karen sounds like a really fun, spirited person with enthusiasm for life and a great attitude! And she’s an artist so what’s not to like?!! I’d love to study art abroad and have looked into how to do that as a mature adult. Her paintings and her her style are modern and fresh. I like all the color, and her clothes aren’t fussy. She doesn’t look like she’s wearing a costume but rather that she’s dressed to have a good day!
    I love the Netherlands, have had some wonderful visits there. A few years ago we thought we were going to be able move to Delft for a job opportunity, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. I was so disappointed. It does get cold (that wind!), but oh my, the food and people, the light and the landscape are just wonderful.
    XO Heidi

    Reply

    • Hi Heidi,

      Thank you so much for the amazing compliments about my style and my artwork! You’re right about me not wanting to dress fussy like. It has to feel comfy and suit what I’ll be doing in the day. I love wearing fun clothes.

      Too bad you weren’t able to move to the Netherland for a job. Delft is such a cute town! It does get cold, especially today! The wind is murder. It’s so international now these days which also makes it much nicer to live here. As for landscape… it’s very flat, as you know!

      Karen xox

      Reply

  27. Elizabeth, Karen seems like a very cool person! I love that she’s been inThe Netherlands for almost 50 year! It must be a joy, She is inspiring and I love how she adds artistic elements to her wardrobe too. I am following her!! xo

    Reply

    • Hi Kim!

      Thank you for the delightful compliments! I just checked and I was already following you on Instagram. Love your account. Yep, I’ve been here for a long time but it feels shorter. Love how you see artistic elements in my artwork. I just throw things together!

      xox

      Reply

  28. Karen has such wonderful and colourful style , showing her artistic flair. One gutsy lady , travelling to the other side of the world to fulfil her dreams at such a tender age. I spent time in The Netherlands many, many years ago and do hope to do so again when it is possible.
    Thank you Elizabeth for introducing another fascinating Ageless Style gal, now following on IG.

    Reply

    • Dear Jill,

      Now I love that description you used, saying I’m a gutsy lady! Perfect description. Thank you also for the delightful compliments about my style and way of life. Now I only wish I had also lived in Italy for a while! That’s fantastic that you also spent time in the Netherlands many years ago!

      Karen

      Reply

  29. Thank you for introducing Karen to us. What a talented and beautiful lady with wonderful style. Following her now. I visited Amsterdam a few years ago and loved it.

    Reply

    • HI Hilda!

      Thank you for the beautiful compliments! Cool that you’ve also been to Amsterdam! Next time be sure to come to The Hague!

      Thanks for following me! I’m following you, too!

      xox

      Reply

    • Dear Mary Ann,

      Such great compliments! Thank you! I just looked for your website and found it! I love it! I’m now also following you on instagram.

      We also yearn to travel again soon… hopefully that will be more safe soon!

      xoxo

      Reply

  34. Loved meeting Karen… she is adorable… and brave…and so talented. That she left at such a young age amazes me… some people are naturally more courageous than others and the adventurous spirit of youth is also a force, but I am nonetheless in awe. An image came to mind of the sailing ships of old with the carving of a woman’s face on the bow… bravely heading out to parts unknown. Another inspirational Ageless Style iconic woman… xoxo

    Reply

    • Hi D.A.

      What an honour to be compared with the carving of the woman’s face on the bow of a ship. I’ve never heard that description for me before. I love it! Thank you for such beautiful compliments. I know I wasn’t afraid at all to leave California with my two suitcases and my own savings. The first year was a tough one but after that it was much better.

      Thanks so much for the magnificent words!
      Karenxox

      Reply

  35. Elizabeth, how wonderful to meet Karen! She is not only stylish, talented, spunky and interesting but brave to have left home at 19 with no place to live, not knowing the language or the culture to go to school. I have visited Amsterdam several times and have enjoyed the museums, the food and the people.

    Karen, your art is as lovely as you. It’s been a pleasure meeting and learning more about you.

    Reply

    • Dear Elizabeth,

      Such beautiful compliments you just wrote which make me smile! Thank you! Glad you’ve also been to Amsterdam and to the museums. That’s one thing that I love the most about the Netherlands.. all the unbelievable museums with art from masters.

      You really put a smile on my face with reading your sweet words. Btw, I just started following you on Instagram!

      Reply

  36. I love her style. She takes just about any look and makes it look fun and fashionable. My favorite is the white outfit at the beach. Gorgeous! I love the pink sweater look also but the one where’s she’s jumping up in the air made me smile! She seems like such a fun person. You know the most interesting people Contessa!

    Reply

    • Hi Rena,

      So cool how you said I can throw things together and make them work. I do love figuring out a fun combination of things, no matter how old or new there are… Or expensive or inexpensive. That’s the sport of it! I’m also great with finding things with 70% discount.

      I also love that white outfit at the beach. In the summer I wear a lot of white which I love. And… jumping up in the air after a run with my running group is also fun! I just started following your instagram account! What a great account that is!

      Thanks again for your response!

      Reply

  39. Karen has a lovely style. A combination of classic and arty. She always wears good quality stuff and it shows. The way she can wear a head or a cap makes me envious. Through you Elizabeth we met and got on really well. We kept in contact but never saw each other since. Strange but true. We will rectify that as soon as Covid is gone.
    Greetje

    Reply

    • Hi Greetje!

      Your comment made me chuckle about not meeting up again but we keep saying it and we’ll definitely meet soon again. The past year has been a weird year to be able to meet up with people, as we all know. Thank you for the wonderful compliments! You made my day! I love your style and it’s fantastic how you always have a new blog each week with your fabulous outfits. WE can meet hopefully after the lockdown ends!! Yes, we did meet through Elizabeth!

      Karen

      Reply

  40. What a great interview Karen! Some years ago we met in The Hague. It’s true, you’re style is indeed a bit French, classy and arty. I admire your attitude, the way you’re living in Holland. Without your family and friends. It’s not always easy I think, but you’re making the best of it. Chapeau! Hope we’ll meet again one day!

    Reply

    • Hi Misja!

      Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments and sweet words! I remember when you approached me at the design festival and asked whether you could photograph me. What an honour that was. You’re also so stylish and always taking the most beautiful photos of people. Your website is very inspiring! I remember our conversation about eyewear! Hope to see you again, soon, too!

      Karen

      Reply

  41. Karen, you have had such an interesting and exciting life. Excellent interview and so much fun getting to know you better. Amazing artwork too.
    Take care,
    Marleah

    Reply

    • Hi Marleah,

      Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment! It’s important to make our life as happy as possible although it sometimes isn’t always easy!

      You too, take care!

      Karen

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

contessa_and_her_pig

La Contessa
Her musings and passions.What Inspires and Dazzles.Loving all things Worn and Rusted.AGE.The Grandeur of The Past.
Bottom line Contessa Chatter!!!
Copyright © 2022 · The Vintage Contessa | Designed & Maintained by TheTechnology-Therapist
%d bloggers like this: