Karen’s works are made up of simplified semi abstract and abstract designs based on real objects both natural and man-made eg: like sunlight dancing on a glass (see image: glass 1). Karen uses bright bold colours influenced by the array of them in the natural rainbow. She mixes this with varying black lines and the use of white space.

Sometimes more subtle hues are applied along with acrylic, gouache, watercolour, and acrylic pen. Collage, embroidery, found materials also make their way onto works on paper and canvas. The subject matter can shift to tell more of a story (see image: Slow Down) in the snail collage. It calls to the viewer to slow down and look at the beauty around you.

Sunflowers are one of Karen’s favourite flowers and some examples have filtered through across the years. A 2024 acrylic on canvas called “A Different View” (see image) shows her originating use of bold colours and black line work. A still life has been flattened onto the canvas but oddly still gives a 3D effect hence giving the work its name. It is seeing life through the view glasses of chronic illness and neurodiversity.