Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Haugan Tomlinson.
Hi Karen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Karen Haugan Tomlinson and I am artist living in Lake Oswego, Oregon. In 2014 I started Greentree Pottery Studio in the lower level of my home, after moving from Denver to Lake Oswego. While living in Denver I enjoyed a 20 year career as an exhibiting painter and teacher of drawing, painting and ceramics. I am the mother of three artist daughters, Claire, a textile designer with the North Face, Cate, a photographer based in Amsterdam, and Eryn a graduate of the Rhode Island school of Design and an internationally exhibited watercolor and ceramic artist.
Greentree Art Studio started with four wheels, a Skutt 1227 and a slab roller. Today we have seven wheels, a new Skutt 1227, large work tables and the same slab roller, and about 50 students working weekly in the space. We have built a relationship with Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation where you will find Greentree classes and summer camps listed in their catalog. We have a wonderful group of teachers, in addition to myself, sharing their expertise with students of all ages.
Some personal career highlights include selling 450 sake sets that I made, on the Etsy platform from 2018-2022. One of the sake sets was featured in a kitchen scene of season 3 of “Succession”. In 2025 I was fortunate to be chosen to throw pots,
in a collaboration with Nike, for display in London at Kings Road and Selfridges. In 2025 I joined the board of the Lake Oswego Council of the Arts, where I am a member of the Public Art Committee. Greentree Art Studio offerings can be seen on our website GreentreeArtStudio.com. My ceramic work can be purchased @ www.naturestudy.studio.q
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Has it been a smooth road?” is an interesting question. I wonder if anyone can actually say yes, it has been a smooth road!
It has been a road with many unexpected twists and turns. One of which was discovering the art of ceramics! I am still learning the art and appreciate all of the amazing students and artists that have come to my studio sharing their knowledge,experiments, playlists, stories and laughs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think my ceramic work has a focus on modern forms with semi matte, textural glazes . I am a functional potter, getting ready to launch a dinnerware and vase collection.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would encourage taking time to seek out others working in your areas of interest, and ask them lots of questions. It takes time to build a body of work, a brand or a business. Small steps and shifts add up to the creation of your vision.
Trying to keep a growth mindset, and having gratitude for the growth that is happening, are important parts of my practice as an artist and small business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greentreeartstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greentreeartstudiolo
- Other: https://www.naturestudy.studio
