An oil painter of Indian figures, usually young girls in Native American dress, Karen Thayer is from Hillsboro, Oregon. Many of her images appear as illustrations on Leanin' Tree greeting cards and posters, Hamilton Collection plates, and prints that are circulated nationwide. Her primary art influence has been artist Newman Myrah.
She has won awards for her paintings including Best of Show at the Blackfoot Valley Art Auction; Best of Show in Oils at the Celebration of Western Art; the John Clymer Museum Purchase Award at the Western Art Association in Ellensburg, Washington; and the Best of Show at the Wickiup Art Auction in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.