My name is Karen Dua and I've been painting since 2019.

It all began when my husband, Nigel, and I were on holiday in Mullion, Cornwall and he booked me a 2 hour lesson with artist Anthony Smith. I enjoyed it so much that I booked another lesson for the next day! I couldn't get enough of it. I watched watercolour artists on YouTube for hours. I even found the great Bob Ross and tried my hand at oils - and believe me, I had many 'Happy Accidents'!

I started off painting at the kitchen table and upgraded to the dining room for more space as my painting materials started to take over. I painted every day. My first efforts weren't good to start with, but the more I watched watercolour artists on YouTube, the more I improved. My favourites were Lois Davidson & Harriet de Winton at the time, but now I've discovered so many more.

As my piles of painting material began to get out of hand, my husband suggested that we clear out the garden shed. So that is what we did. I got a sideboard to keep things tidy and a small table to use. I made it my own. I loved it. I had a tranquil space to paint.

Now I have a bigger shed (or The Studio, as we call it). It has shelves, cupboards, large tables and my exercise bike - not that I use it that much! It's relaxing and serene. I can listen to the birds singing and watch the squirrels enjoying the peanuts I put out. It's pure bliss!

My 'style' leans more to the loose style, which means that the paintings aren't realistic. Quite often it's just a mark on the page, but the eye makes it make sense.

And now it's a new chapter in my painting life. I'm starting a website and, hopefully, start selling my art work. I want to thank you for visiting me at The Watercolour Sanctuary. I hope you enjoy looking at my pictures. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

All my love and thanks - Karen XX