Karen was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk in 1966, the granddaughter of Guernsey artist Louis Le Ray. As an adult Karen travelled the world living in Singapore, Bangkok, Australia and Norway. During this time she developed her love of drawing and painting, undertaking portrait commissions and running art classes. ‘Living in all of those amazing places, gave me the opportunity to see new cultures, new colours and new scenes all of which would have an effect on my painting.’
On her return to the UK, Karen studied Art in Aberdeen. She moved to Southwold’s seafront in 1999 and realized her natural ability to capture the sea in her paintings. She enjoyed unlimited views of the beach, the groynes, the sea, birds, people, beach huts and of course the waves crashing onto the beach. Her paintings became increasingly popular. In 2004 two of her paintings were selected for a permanent art collection in the House of Lords.
Karen purchased the Southwold Gallery in 2005, ‘Now I have the opportunity to support emerging, local artists as I was supported.’ The gallery exhibits over 50 local artists and has thousands of loyal customers all over the world.
In 2008, she was approached by Dorling Kindersley to write and develop a book on advanced acrylic painting. Following several hard months of painting, writing and having her work photographed in a step-by-step process, the book was published in 15 different languages receiving 5-star reviews.
Karen’s paintings are in private collections all over the world. She continues to explore and develop her ability to capture the light and life of the coast.
I have always lived by the sea; I feel both invigorated and at peace here. I love to capture light in my paintings, the wonderful skies and coastal views inspire me. The light forever changes and reflects off the sea, rivers and marshes. Surrounded by natural beauty I never lack inspiration for the next painting.
Reference:
Making Waves, Artists in Southwold by Ian Collins. Published 2005 by Black Dog Books.
Who’s Who in Art, Hillmarton Manor Press.
March 2007 Elected Member of East Anglian Marine Artists
Author of ‘Acrylics Workshop II, published in 15 languages by Dorling Kindersley 2008.
How Artists See East Anglian Places, A Green Pebble Publication, 2010
How Artists See People, A Green Pebble Publication, 2010
100 Women in 100 Words, Inspirational Women in Norfolk and Suffolk, 2012.
Exhibitions (a selection):
2004 Solo Exhibition ‘Quintessential Suffolk’ - Southwold Town Hall
2004 House of Lords – London “Best of Britain’ Exhibition
2006 Mall Galleries, London East Anglian Group of Marine Artists Exhibition
2006 -2014 Exhibited at Thompson’s Gallery Aldeburgh
2008 Mall Galleries, London
2010 Art in the Park, Croxton Park
2010 Mall Galleries London
2012 Solo Exhibition, Southwold Gallery
2017 Solo Exhibition, Southwold Gallery
2018 Norfolk Show, ‘Sponsor’s Choice Award
2024 Solo Exhibition, Southwold Gallery