Karla Roberson Man (Accepts Mural Commissions)

B.F.A Studio Art
University of Texas @ Austin
Primary focus, life drawing and painting

My work has afforded me the honor of working with wonderful clients throughout my 39 year working career. It is my joy to meet people, hear what they want in their homes, design and execute the work staying true to my style of painting. My love of architecture, gardens, Italy, Texas, the American landscape inspires me and those who are drawn to my work.

Throughout my career in Austin, Houston, Amarillo, Dallas and Austin again, clients have contracted me to design and execute home renderings in pen and ink, pencil or oil paintings. The great thing about these is seeing the joy they feel when the finished product is handed over. With their intention of handing the artwork down to the children, to use as the graphics for a project, or as a gift in a business transaction, the home and/or future home rendering becomes a part of their dream.

Another way to share in the love of art with clients is murals. While living in Houston, Texas for approximately 4 years, clients hired me to design and execute European-style images in and around the River Oaks and Memorial area homes. From ceilings, to walls, to front doors, to garage doors, I was able to stretch my skill set to include a larger format. Upon moving to my hometown of Amarillo to marry my now husband of 30 years, James H. Man, author, toy soldier manufacturer, oil and gas landman, I was ready to try a new medium, stage set.

While in Amarillo, Director of Amarillo Little Theatre, Allen Shankles, was willing to take a chance with me to design and execute several stage sets for their season lineup. It was great fun that I thoroughly enjoyed. At the end of the season, I received the “Magic Circle” award for outstanding contribution to the artistry of Amarillo Little Theatre, specifically in the areas of set design and scenic art.

It has been my pleasure to execute oil paintings from my own expansive visual slide library from a mostly Italian Villa and Garden focus. Having advertised in “Town and Country” clients have received one-on-one consultations, a set of sketches from which to choose their final image and completed works of art representing their favorite location(s). Vacation Portraits were born out of our mutual interests.

In the year of the celebrated Jubilee 2000 in Rome, Italy, an exhibition of my Italian Villas and Gardens was held at Studio S D’Contemporenea, Rome, Italy. My tour guide/ liason, Marcella Grabou of Lucca, Italy, was instrumental inconnecting me to the lovely gallery located by the Spanish Steps.

It was with great joy my family was able to move to Lubbock in the Spring of 2022. We have family here, in Midland and Amarillo. Lubbock’s exciting Arts programs are inspiring and rich with creativity and enthusiasm. The people are welcoming, friendly and remind me of my Panhandle upbringing.

I look forward to contributing to the Arts and Culture of Lubbock and to participating in local shows and festivals.

More Biographical details are included on my website. Please visit!