Karen Vernon

I believe we are most affected by the sense of sight. What we take in visually affects us mentally, physically and spiritually. Therefore, it is of great importance that we look upon art which will nourish and uplift us, stimulate our imagination and creativity.

My journey into the art world began in 1993 with attending an American Folk Art class in Auckland with Anna Evan’s.
After moving to Coopers Beach I became a student of Jayne Sprott, Jayne is an accomplished water colour artist, I attended her classes for 3 years, it was at this point I developed a passion for art but staying within the realms of more traditional realistic painting.

I then met Mike Nettmann, at the time Mike was Northland’s art critic as well as an accomplished artist and teacher. I worked under his tuition for 10 years, I became intrigued with surrealism and mixed media.

My work now seesaws between blended surreal oil paintings to mixed media artworks that tell a story.

I am passionate about the stories of our Heroes from WW1 - WW2, over the years I have done many commission pieces for people who wish for their family member’s
story to be told, this becoming a family heirloom.

In 2014 I was privileged and honoured to be invited to send 2 large paintings to Monte Cassino in Italy to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino.
They stayed on show there for 5 years before coming home.

Hi Karen
I believe you have produced the perfect exhibition with all the requirements at Master of Fine Arts level. Your work is intelligent, intellectual and well executed and presented with all the appropriate information on every painting.
I am in awe of what you have achieved and Oh so very proud of you.

Mike Nettmann
ART CRITIC

This write up by Mike Nettmann from my solo exhibition in 2014.
IN THE AGE OF INFORMATION, IGNORANCE IS A CHOICE