Karen has an honours’ degree in Interior Design, but her first love has always been painting; especially the human figure. She has several models with whom she works on a regular basis, but is constantly inspired by new people.
She has always admired the Pre-Raphaelite painters, especially the poetic and romantic images of Rossetti and Waterhouse. The expressive portraits of John Singer Sergeant have also been a major influence.
For Karen, drawing is the foundation for all work, allowing the artist to observe and express the character of the model. She uses mixed media to create quick studies and fully worked drawings which can then be used as a reference for paintings. She works in oils or acrylics, often finishing with impasto knife work, dragging the background into the figure and vice versa.
Karen is happiest working in her studio, deep in the countryside, with a model or music for company.
