“There’s just so much opportunity – it’s incredible,” says the mother of two.

Karen is, first and foremost, an artist, although initially this was a cause for dismay for her parents, who hoped she would join the medical profession. The art she produces captures mood and feeling, creating a unique ambience.

“My main thing is capturing the romantic light that comes through the trees or clouds, and that beautiful, random abstract pattern that’s familiar to all of us,” Karen muses.

Much of Karen’s art represents nature and in her work you’ll often find images of heavenly landscapes. “Because I paint from memory, it’s the most ideal visual place that I’m bringing my mind to.” She continues: “The ideal shoreline, the ideal lighting conditions. They don’t always exist in real life.” While she may sound whimsical Karen focuses on creating moods, which has led her to work with interior designers and developers. Her background as a graphic designer has also shaped the type of work she does; between exhibitions and workshops, Karen also uses her art to brand spaces for her clientele.

Combining her two finely-honed skills, Karen superimposes her artwork into a room, allowing interior designers to see commissioned pieces in a site that may not even exist yet. Karen has clearly been keeping busy in the short time she’s been here; several Dubai galleries have already showcased her work. Her diverse style means she appeals to a variety of galleries, with her contemporary work being snapped up by Art Source and Jam Jar, whilst the more romantic, vintage-style pieces are available at antique haven Vindemia. Her artwork has been reproduced for Trident’s Bayside Residences in Dubai Marina and she recently exhibited in Wafi. She’s also hosting workshops at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.

Since Karen is inspired by nature, one might imagine she would be hindered by Dubai’s artificial landscape, but she doesn’t agree. “It’s so sunny here, so you catch incredible lighting effects. It’s green, it’s luscious, it’s all these things,” Karen beams. “I sit at the beach and the light comes through the palm trees or it shows on the water. Even the lighting effects that are done with the water fountains are incredible. It’s even more inspiring here in one way. It’s like the beauty here is the design of it. It’s nature-inspired and so is my work.”

www.bremerpark.com PHOTOGRAPH VIKRAM GAWDE