Karen Howard
Contact Details
South Toowoomba
4350
Working exclusively in pastels, I explore the vibrant interplay of light and shape across a diverse repertoire.
Growing up in suburban Melbourne, I was rarely without a drawing tool in my hand. In those early years, my world was captured through faces and horses, beginning a creative habit that has continued throughout my entire life. While my subjects have since expanded to include virtually anything that captures my eye, my medium of choice has become exclusive: I work solely with pastels. I find immense joy in the rich, vibrant colours and tactile nature that can only be achieved with this beautiful medium.
The effects of light and shape almost always drive my choice of subject. Whether I am painting a landscape, a still life, a floral study, or a dog portrait, I am looking for the story the light is telling. I love to set a challenge for myself within my practice; while taking risks involves the possibility of failure, I have found it is the most rewarding way to develop my skills. There is nothing quite as satisfying as the moment a challenging piece finally “works.”
I now call the beautiful Darling Downs home. Being part of the thriving, supportive artist community here is a constant source of inspiration, and I love contributing to the creative energy of our region.