kimono 1, 2 women
oil on canvas 100cm x 120cm


oil sketch for kimono 1
oil on paper 70cm x 85cm
kimono 2, 3 women
oil on canvas 100cm x 120cm
oil sketch for kimono 2
oil on paper 70cm x 85cm
kimono 3, 1 woman
oil on canvas 100cm x 120cm
oil sketch for kimono 3
oil on paper 70cm x 85cm

The kimono series.
These three paintings are from a set of works which are deeply influenced by the paintings of Vuillard who was himself influenced by the Japanese prints arriving in Paris at the time. They also show elements of the Japanese print in their use of repetitive patterns of colour and strong diagonal axes so prevalent in the work of Kuniyoshi and other great Japanese printmakers. I used models wearing genuine Japanese ceremonial kimonos juxtaposed with props of various kinds including incongrous items such as the telephone in kimono 1.

The etching on the right is also shown together with a number of working drawings and oil sketches which were made in the preparation of these paintings over a period of several weeks.

  
girl in a kimono
etching 70cm x 50cm

Karen trained at Croydon Art School, and then went on to complete a postgraduate fellowship at the School of Advanced Studies, Manchester, before embarking on a career as a highly successful international designer. More recently she has returned to her training as a printmaker, gaining inspiration from the natural and urban landscape.
'The beach at Shoreham, where I live, is an endless source of inspiration; the weather - extreme, the textures - endless, the colours and forms - a particular stimulus, a place of constant change and variety. Apart from the beach, I am inspired by exotic land and townscapes that I see on my travels'.
Karen has exhibited in solo and group shows in the UK and Europe and has works in private collections both in the UK and abroad. In 2008 Karen was awarded the prize for Best Drawing at the Society of Graphic Fine Art's Open Exhibition in London and the prize for Best Painting at the Centenary Open Exhibition at Worthing Museum and Art Gallery.		  


working drawings for the kimono series