Karen Wride is an artist and art teacher who specialises in impressionist landscapes and figurative works. With each stroke of her brush, she strives to infuse her creations with a sense of drama and emotional resonance.

“I invite you to explore the profound world connections that bind us to our surroundings”, she proposes.

The artist considers painting as a form of meditation. “I lose myself in the process of creating, and that is where I find the deepest connection with the world around me. My gallery features a range of landscapes and figurative works which reflect different aspects of that connection”, Karen Wride told The Portugal News.

Credits: TPN; Author: Kevin Broderick;

Inspiration

Based in the heart of the Algarve, the painter draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of the natural world and the human experience. “Join me on a journey through the vibrant realm of impressionism, where each canvas tells a unique and evocative story. Whether you’re an avid art collector or a seeker of inspiration, I invite you to immerse yourself in the world I create”, she encourages.

“I also gather a lot of my creativity from personal experiences, the environment, and cultures around the world.”, added the artist.

Karen Wride’s artistic journey is defined by a commitment to capturing the essence of nature’s beauty and the human form through a vivid interplay of colour and form. From sweeping landscapes to expressive postures, her paintings are a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

“People inspire me. I used to draw storyboards, where you had to tell a story through sketches, drawing each scene, in little freeze frames. That’s how I learnt to draw people, and how to describe their feelings in gestures”, the artist recalled.

From facial gestures to unconscious positions people get into, “you get an impression of who they are and that’s what enjoy transmitting”, she explained. “I also like to tell a story with my paintings, to be able to provoke somebody to think that there’s a special meaning behind the art.”

Credits: TPN; Author: Kevin Broderick;

The artist also mentioned how she enjoys painting on location. “Wherever I go, I try to take my paints with me, I like to paint in plein air because you’re able to capture a certain atmosphere that you wouldn’t otherwise notice in photos.”

“Sometimes I catch a glimpse of a certain moment and just feel compelled to paint it. If I’m not able to do so on location, I take plenty of photos and try to paint it as soon as I can”, she shared. “Pictures tend to flatten things out, you don’t get to see all the colours. And I like to capture the vibrancy, to see colours in the shadows. If you don’t get it done while the moment is still fresh in your mind, the feeling you had goes, the inspiration fades.”


Teaching Art

Karen Wride believes that anyone has the ability to become an artist, however, some people just lack the self-confidence and technical skills.

“I can teach you to unlock your own creative instincts and develop unique styles. I will change the way you look at the world that will enable you to see colours and shapes you didn’t realise were always there”, offers the artist. As well as showing anyone who has an interest in learning to paint, how to mix colours, prepare work surfaces, paint using brushes and palette knives, to use highlights and shadows so “your paintings can sing out with passion and drama”.

The painter described how much she enjoys teaching art. “I’ve been teaching for about 12 years now, I love the interactions I have with my students and meeting different people, with contrasting backgrounds, ages, and nationalities.”

“I am able to help people leave their problems behind, for two hours, I give them something else to focus on and allow them sort of introspection. We don’t have to talk about anything too personal, but I can tell when someone comes to my studio to escape something”, she concluded.

Credits: TPN; Author: Kevin Broderick;

Upcoming Exhibition

Karen Wride will be hosting a “Painting and ceramic sculpture” exhibition, from July 1 to July 31, between 10am and 12.30pm, and from 4pm to 11pm, at Casa Manuel Teixeira Gomes, the birthplace of the famous President of Portugal, which has been converted into a museum.

For more information on Karen Wride and her art classes please visit: https://www.karenwride.com/, https://www.facebook.com/people/First-Class-Art-Gallery-and-Workshops/100064276800167/ or https://www.instagram.com/karenwrideartist/

Author

A journalist that’s always eager to learn about new things. With a passion for travel, adventure and writing about this diverse world of ours.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” -  Socrates

Kate Sreenarong