Karen has only been painting for four years but is already producing some vibrant, amazing and imaginative paintings.

“Out West when I lived in Forbes I had no access to classes, supplies or even knew anyone around town who painted. I dabbled a little at home resulting in fish being painted on the toilet walls and murals on the kid’s bedroom walls,” Karen said. 

“When I moved to the Nambucca Valley four years ago, I was excited to have access to classes here run by the NVAC.

“I started with pastels and I moved onto acrylics as I found them very versatile.

“Rodney Andrews became my teacher. He opened my eyes, my mind, and inspired my imagination to endless possibilities.

“When he handed me a pallet knife, my art changed forever. My style changed to abstract and I began experimenting with different methods of painting and using different tools, hence the title of my exhibition ‘When the Mind Wanders’.”

Karen says that art has opened up her eyes to a different way of viewing the world – the local landscapes become tangible paintings in her mind’s eye.

“The colours of the ocean and waterways are my biggest inspiration,” she said. 

“My family are very supportive of my art and are my greatest critics, telling me straight what they do and don’t like and how they think a work can be improved.”

All are welcome to attend the morning tea held from 10am on Wednesday October 3 at the Stringer Gallery in Ridge St to launch Karen’s exhibition.