Karen Lorena Parker will create a painting perfectly suited for the place you want to hang it.

"I try to create the perfect painting for a space. You can go to a gallery and love something but it might be the wrong size or colour. I help to design and fine-tune paintings for clients,"she says. "I want my art to live in the space, to be perfect for that space. I want my art to be in the home for people to enjoy.

"Artists frame their work so it can be better appreciated and looks better on the wall," she says. "I think it's part of our culture to want to coordinate colour and design. We're design savvy. If a painting clashes with the surroundings, it would be hard to live with. I've had gallery owners tell me people should buy art because it speaks to you, that you should renovate your house around art work. I say adding a green highlight to a painting doesn't change it."

Put people on a lie-detector and many would say they want a painting that looks good in their home and admit to wanting it to match their decor, and possibly, their sofa.

Front and inside cover available by request.