Karen was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1964 and grew up drawing and painting in the natural surroundings of her family farm.  She worked as a graphic artist for a period of nine years after leaving school.  She has a special love of painting birds and foliage, and works from her studio at home.

She works from life, skins and frozen birds, often travelling some distance to find settings for her paintings, and in the studio works as quickly as possible before the plant life wilts and loses colour.  Paintings can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months to complete.

"The detail and beauty God has created in nature is the inspiration for my paintings."  Karen becomes totally involved in each painting, as it provides a new challenge and enthusiasm.  She places great importance on painting as accurately as possible so that every species, whether it be wildlife or plant life, can be identified.  Karen sells original paintings and publishes and distributes limited edition prints and other stationery throughout New Zealand.

Karen remains in the surroundings of her family farm where she lives with her husband and two girls.