Karen Jane

Hello, my name is Karen and I am very fortunate to live in a peaceful village on the outskirts of Colchester. It was my grandad that gave me my first art materials. I remember fondly his encouragement and my very first picture was a still life, fruit in a bowl, followed by sunflowers in oils. I loved art school and enjoyed graphite pencil and watercolour.

Like many people, however, once I left school I was busy with career and art was left behind. Now retired I am exploring my creative passions again. I first discovered coloured pencils through a local art group and a workshop which gave me a confidence to explore further this wonderful medium.

Drawing for me is calming and mediative and I particularly love to draw animals. I am not aiming for photo realism but hoping to translate the moment captured by the photographer so that it evokes an emotional response in the viewer as it does when I choose the reference photo… the expression in the eyes always gets me wondering what they might be thinking and feeling.

Essex is a fabulous county full of wonderful artists who generously share their knowledge and skills and I am looking forward to sharing my journey with you!