Sublime equine portraits - and more

• Published date: 15 March 2023

"I was born loving horses," Karin says

"As a wee girl I would rush to the front gate the second I heard the clip-clop of a horse coming down the road. And draw them, copying pictures of mediaeval knights on horseback. I longed for a horse of my own - and finally got one when I was 30."

Her chestnut mare Sunny is depicted in one of the portraits she will exhibit at this year's Art in the Park.

Much of her work is commissioned by horse and pet-owners.

"I paint from photos, preferring to take the photos myself to ensure the angle and light capture the essence of the animal's personality."

Karen also enjoys painting South Island landscapes, "so inspiring and uplifting." And classic vehicles. Motorbikes feature a lot. Her own is a GSF Suzuki 600.

Karen uses oils, watercolours, pastels, and will bring both originals and prints to Art in the Park.

"Originals are wonderful to have, but so are high-quality prints, which are more affordable," she explains.

"A limited run of high-definition scans of my originals are printed...