2 minute read
Meet the Maker | Karen Scott Murals
After more than two decades teaching the next generation of aspiring artists, Karen Scott’s career as a painter has gone to the dogs – literally! The Martinsville woman has switched from teaching art to selling it, putting her skills into practice as a pet portrait artist, sculptor and muralist.
From humble beginnings painting her own pooch’s portrait, she now has a flourishing business – Karen Scott Murals – which sees her create custom sculptures and portraits for doting pet owners and murals for homeowners and businesses.
“I spent 21 years as a high school visual arts teacher travelling to the Central Coast to teach daily,” Karen said.
“And while I thoroughly enjoyed teaching artmaking skills to aspiring young artists, I rarely had the time to enjoy creating my own art. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever dare to imagine that one day I would resign from teaching to pursue my passion for art and actually create my own small business from it!”
Owners email a photo of their pet to Karen, who then creates a realistic acrylic on canvas portrait, or small 3D sculpture of the pet in their pet bed, on a base with their name, or even on a beautiful Rainbow Bridge to commemorate those pets who have passed on. She also sculpts small Christmas decorations called Doggy Danglers, which are head-only sculptures designed as a special keepsake to hang on the Christmas Tree each year.
Tapping into people’s love of animals even further, Karen has also created a huge range of mini pet portraits, hand-sculpted Teacup Pet Sculptures, Pet Stones, and Doggy Danglers. But she doesn’t just cater for dog and cat owners, as she has now expanded her collection to include her newest creations, which are a quirky line of upcycled teapots featuring polymer clay birds and animals!
Aside from the custom commissions, Karen sells her unique range of artworks and teapots at the Handmade in the Hunter Markets, regularly held on the grounds of Sobels Wines.
“I love market day and look forward to every single one, along with the promise of meeting new clients who would like their fur-children painted sculpted or painted as a treasured keepsake!” she said.
Why not stop by Karen’s stall at an upcoming Handmade in the Hunter Markets (see dates on page 5).
