Karen Sinclair Willis’ Scottish roots are fundamental to her work. Born and brought up in the Shetlands Islands, with strong family links to Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
At the age of 18 she left to study art and photography in England, graduating eventually with a degree in Photographic Studies at Derby University under the watchful eye of John Blakemore.
Since then, Karen has reverted back to her painting roots, which she indulged in whilst at school, producing and selling much of her work in local galleries. Her bright use of colour, a feature of her work, results from the stunning light, colours and vast expanse of sea surrounding the islands.
Karen now lives in the market town of Morpeth. Close enough to the stunning coastline of Northumberland – a vast expanse to explore and paint. She loves to paint land and seascapes, and as part of the creative process sketching, constantly doodling and taking pictures, exploring new ideas and combinations of vibrant colour.
2009 was an amazing year for Karen as she presented HRH Prince Charles with a picture on his visit to Morpeth following the floods in Sept. Around the same time Karen appeared on Songs of Praise painting on the beach at Druridge Bay, and then she was interviewed by Aled Jones about her pictures, influences, at an exhibition at her house.