Cromer artist's work on show at theatre

Sensitively rendered oil paintings by Cromer-based artist Karen Rowlands are featured in the latest North Norfolk Artspace exhibition, which runs at Sheringham Little Theatre until January 18.

Sensitively rendered oil paintings by Cromer-based artist Karen Rowlands are featured in the latest North Norfolk Artspace exhibition, which runs at Sheringham Little Theatre until January 18.

After training at Ravensbourne and Loughborough Colleges of Art and Design, Karen was resident weaver at South Hill Park Arts Centre in her home county of Berkshire, also working on school art projects, and as a visiting college lecturer.

She moved to Norfolk 20 years ago with her husband and, while at home with her four children, became involved in making dance costumes, eventually working from a studio at Alby Crafts, Erpingham.

Now working as a full time artist, weaver and costume designer, Karen produces oil paintings on subjects ranging from the plant and birdlife of Salthouse and Blakeney, to portraits, flowers and the north Norfolk coastline.

"I am often inspired by something I see while out walking," she said. "And what is lovely about living in Norfolk is that there is so much beauty here - you just turn the corner and there is something else to paint."

Karen's work has been exhibited at venues throughout the country, with recent exhibitions including Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, Cromer and The Old Reading Room Gallery, Kelling. Her wildlife paintings have found homes in countries ranging from Kenya to South Africa.

Simple Pleasures, an exhibition of work by Karen Rowlands hosted by North Norfolk Artspace, is at Sheringham Little Theatre until January 18.

For more information, visit www.northnorfolkartspace.co.uk or phone 01263 823633.