We are delighted to be exhibiting ‘Wild Escapes’, a new exhibition by Bristol artist Karen George.

Opening times:

Monday – Friday 8am – 9pm

Saturday – by pre-booking your visit by emailing sophie.yardley@thesquareclub.com

Sunday – 8am – 2pm

About the Artist

Karen is an artist based in High Littleton, near Bath where she works from her studio. She started painting in 2009 after almost 20 years working as a Landscape Architect having graduated from Sheffield University with a BSc Sp Hons in Landscape Design & Plant Science in 1988 followed by an MA in Landscape Design in 1990. Her work is an expression of her response to wonderful wild places that she feels both relaxed in and invigorated. The striking semi abstract landscapes in acrylic capture the energy and sense of space of those places she escapes to.

Working initially in a sketchbook Karen embeds a visual memory that she can recall when painting. In the studio she works on several pieces at a time which gives her the freedom to allow paintings to emerge. Working on board, paintings evolve over several sessions as Karen layers paint over a gesso base with brush and palette knife. Visual interest is created with glazing, mark making and scraping back to reveal previous layers. Over 10 years on Karen still loves painting and says there is nothing that matches the feeling when a painting ‘speaks’ to someone!

As well as regularly attending arts trails, open studio events and group shows in the South West, Karen’s work at been exhibited with: the Society of Women Artists Open Exhibition, Bath Society of Artists Open Exhibition, Beside the Wave Gallery, London and the ‘Art & Childhood Memories – The Meningitis Trust’ Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, London.

In 2013 Karen was instrumental in setting up the Cam Valley Arts Trail which supports local artists and promotes the arts locally within the Cam Valley; she continues to chair this group.

Workshops

Karen runs one day workshops; the current options include ‘Dive into collage’, ‘Creative sketchbooks’, ‘Sketchbooks to paintings’ and ‘Building the layers: exploring acrylics’. The workshops all share the common theme of sharing skills with and inspiring attendees to enjoy art at whatever level of ability they are. Details can be found on her website.

Artchatter Podcast

Karen has been co-hosting the Artchatter podcast with fellow artist Gaynor Leverett-Jaques since July 2021. It’s a window into their working lives as artists where they share our experiences, the ups and downs of their artist lives, in a fortnightly episode. Head to Artchatter podcast for all the episodes.

www.karengeorgeart.co.uk