Meet the artist; Karen George

What is your background / where are you based?
I moved to High Littleton in the summer of 2010 having lived in Bristol since I qualified as a Landscape Architect at Sheffield University in 1990. I followed this career for 15 years before moving into design and subsequently art.   After the birth of my second daughter I designed the BuggySail sunshade for a pram which is now sold by Silver Cross. I am now able to concentrate on painting rather than going back to work.

When  and how did you get started in your art / craft?
I attended a 'experimental painting' workshop, run by Pauline Palmer (coincidentally another member of this group), at the start of 2007 where I was introduced to acrylic paint and palette knives.  After years of sketching on holiday and producing very amateur watercolours I felt I'd finally found a medium that gave me the results I was looking for. 

What inspires you?
Skies - stormier the better. The sea and coastline.  The changing seasons.  Seeing other people's work - attending 'Art in Action' over the last couple of years has been a huge inspiration and is well worth a visit.

What are your aspirations as an artist in the coming months / years?
This year I want to spend more time in the studio painting;  I want to try other mediums and like the idea of incorporating printing and sewing into future work. I'm enjoying working with the group on community based projects and learning new skills from and being inspired by other artists.  

What is your most memorable piece of work and why?
'Opalescent' - an abstract painting of mine in acrylic -  representing a landscape after rain.  It is memorable as it is the painting I chose to donate to the Meningitis Trust Art and Childhood Memories Exhibition and Sale held in June 2010 at the Fairfax Gallery, London.  Being relatively new to painting at the time it was exciting to be invited to the preview and see my painting exhibited alongside other more established artists' work.

What hints and tips would you give fellow artists?
Do what you enjoy and keep learning.  Surround yourself by like minded people and share ideas.