Karen ThomasJan 12, 20204 min"How do you know when to stop?""Every painting that's ruined is preceded by these words ' I'll just do this'" Joseph Zbukvic This is one of the most common questions I...
Karen ThomasDec 4, 20193 minWhat makes a good watercolour brush?Around May last year, I started to feel the urge to change things up a little in the brushes department. I wasn't dissatisfied exactly,...
Karen ThomasNov 22, 20192 minMovement!Without doubt, the number one question I get asked when people view my art is “how did you get so much movement?” I love this question...
Karen ThomasOct 7, 20195 minWhy Do People Buy Art?It’s a funny game sometimes, being an artist. Whether you exhibit your paintings on social media, through galleries, or stand alongside...
Karen ThomasAug 29, 20192 minPainting Holiday Part II - John YardleyThe second week at Dedham Hall was my yearly attendance alongside a group of fellow friends of John Yardley. This group have been...
Karen ThomasAug 29, 20193 minPainting Holiday Part I - Amanda HyattI've just returned, refreshed from the most magical time at Dedham Hall. Those who follow my blog will know that this is one of my...
Karen ThomasMay 28, 20192 minA Dartmoor WeekendIs there anything better than the great outdoors? Immersion in nature. A chance to escape the news. The bleating, harsh political voices...
Karen ThomasApr 1, 20192 minTen YearsI was chatting to a fellow watercolorist this morning. Brief back-and-forth messages, every now and then, reassure me that we're all on...
Karen ThomasMar 4, 20192 minThe Lion Sleeps tonight (in Bath!)Back from a wonderful weekend at Bath Art Fair. I love the city of Bath, but it is the first time I've had the opportunity to stay for a...
Karen ThomasJan 12, 20192 min2019 Ahoy!To my mind, a New Year is a shiny fresh start to be charged into with optimism, renewed energy, and a brand-spanking-new diary. ...
Karen ThomasSep 6, 20182 minDevon Open Studios September rolls around, and artists from all over Devon throw open their studios, share some of their creative processes, and (usually)...
Karen ThomasJun 7, 20183 min"How long did that take you?"Of all the questions I'm asked at shows, this is the one that crops up most often. If you think about it, it's a very natural and...
Karen ThomasMay 23, 20181 minA holiday ... paintingIt might seem strange to you that I would choose to spend a break painting. I believe the term is ‘Busman’s Holiday’! When I’m painting...
Karen ThomasFeb 24, 20181 minA Passion for WatercolourI'm happy to say that the first couple of weeks of arrival of my new book, A Passion for Watercolour, has produced a wonderful response...
Karen ThomasJan 28, 20181 minThis is the grinThis is why I paint. The feeling behind that grin. Not a good look, I’m weather bedraggled and woke up in the grip of a painting frenzy...
Karen ThomasJan 8, 20182 minHere's to a magic 2018Happy New Year to one and all! I'm guessing I'm not alone in these feelings: New Years Eve comes along and the countdown approaches, and...
Karen ThomasNov 3, 20172 minKaren at KigbeareOctober was a busy month, but in a good way! I literally floated through two successful exhibitions - Art Under Glass at Avon Mill,...
Karen ThomasSep 14, 20174 minThey say never meet your heroes ...I'm excited. Nervous too. My friends will be rolling their eyes here because, conversationally, I've done this to death already. Next...
Karen ThomasJun 6, 20173 minA week with Herman PekelA handful of the worlds most celebrated watercolourists hail from Australia. One or two of them even brave our climate to come and show...
Karen ThomasApr 19, 20172 minA workshop with Jem BowdenEvery now and then, you get lucky enough to watch a new tradition being forged. A new name slot appear magically, Harry Potter-style,...