Karen Middleton
Like most artists I've drawn since I was small, creating images of all kinds of subjects, from fairies to Formula 1. Over time, faces, fantasy and femininity have become my favourite subject matter.
Drawing from a young age (and falling off the stool at my first easel aged 5!) I won a school prize for art and encouraged by a fantastic art teacher, I went on to undertake one year at Lincoln Art College. From there I moved to Medway College of Art but circumstances caused me to return to Lincoln after just a few months.
I started work as a trainee graphic designer and worked in that field for almost a decade before discovering the NEC’s Spring Fair. I was offered representation by 3 agents on the day and went on to work for several years as a freelance artist, producing images for books, greeting cards, giftware and stationery, for sale in the UK and overseas, including the US, Germany, France, Sweden, Scandinavia, Holland and Spain.
I am considered “self taught” but feel that the actual “learning” of art is a constant way of life. I am always looking at ways to improve my drawings, as well as trying new techniques, and different types of pencil.
I create images in a soft style, building up layers, from the palest to the darkest colours and shades. Working in both colour and monochrome, I use 2H, HB, B 2B and 4B graphite pencils and Derwent coloured pencils, on Canson 1557 paper, which I love for the very slight "tooth" and also for its pure whiteness.
I have recently started to experiment with background techniques (a weakness of mine!) and increasing the contrast in my work, which has increased not only my enjoyment of using pencils, but my knowledge of their versatility and understanding of the medium as well.
I live and work in Lincoln.
Email: ragdolldesigns@aol.com
