Karen Barnes

It is a pleasure to again be exhibiting in the Peel Open Studios Exhibition from 10th to 18th April 2021. The last time I participated in this event was 2018 and a lot has happened since then! My travels to USA and Canada in 2019 meant I was unable to exhibit in many of my usual exhibitions and then due to Covid 19 most exhibitions were cancelled for 2020. It feels great to be back painting and exhibiting after a turbulent twelve months.

My original paintings will be for sale as will a variety of merchandise and gifts from my original designs. I hope to see you there!

peelopenstudios.com

I am so fortunate to live my life doing the things I love, with the people I love! Travel & Art! In 2017 I spend over four months travelling.  This time last year, I had just returned from Tasmania where my husband & I spend two months  enjoying a variety of wonderful experiences & adventures.  Lots of hiking in Tasmania’s pristine wilderness areas & also time spent on Bruny Island. We enjoyed the spectacular Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart & I had the great pleasure of meeting some of Tasmania’s best known Artists & attending some amazing Exhibitions, including the Glover Art Prize. My camera was always in hand & my sketch book not far away! So much inspiration!

Mid year was spent in the mid west of Western Australia.  We experienced one of the best wildflower seasons in years.  Again – lots of inspiration!

The latter part of 2017 was spent in Hawaii & New Zealand with my husband & daughter.

2018 has found me enjoying time at home & in my Studio.  My work is currently on display at the Monet Gallery – www.monetgallery.net.au & the beautiful Boranaup Gallery in Western Australia’s stunning south west – www.boranupgallery.com.

I continue to lead an ‘Artful Life’.  My experiences are recorded in my paintings, drawings, photographs & journals.  This is my ‘Art Project’ & it will span my lifetime!

2015 already!!  I enjoyed a very successful ‘Arty Year’ in 2014.

Early in 2014 I was very excited to discover I had been accepted to participate in the Mandurah Stretch Arts Festival, where I was part of the ‘Art Trail’!  This enabled me to receive wonderful exposure and publicity via the City of Mandurah’s website and it also gave me the opportunity to exhibit and display my Art to a wider audience!  I met some amazing, interesting people and the bonus was the sale of several of my paintings!  I am so looking forward to the 2015 Mandurah Stretch Festival where I will again be exhibiting at Sharkys Restaurant, Bar and Cafe!

In July/August I exhibited and Sold at the Cossack Art Award in the Pilbara of Western Australia.  One of the most remote but richest acquisitive Art Awards in regional Australia.

Although 2014 had its usual ups & downs, I still managed to travel extensively.  Firstly to the beautiful South of Western Australia & then in May, a very memorable trip to Mauritius.  In September I headed off to Singapore, UK, France and Spain for two months.  Such an inspiring experience!  Travel certainly does broaden ones horizons!

Upon my return I was delighted to discover one of my paintings had been purchased by Alcoa Mining for their Corporate Collection.  My other big surprise was to discover I was a ‘Finalist’ in The Australian Artist Magazines – ‘Seascapes, Rivers & Lakes’ Competition!  Although I did not win, my painting titled ‘Autumn in Hamelin Bay’ was published in the September edition of the Magazine.  A huge honour!

My final Exhibition for 2014 was ‘Diversity’ – at The Mandurah Convention & Exhibition Centre.  Again, such a pleasure to meet so many interesting people and knowing one of my Sold paintings is now in a private collection in Sydney.

Roll on 2015!!