NZ artist Karen Baddock was born in Dunedin in 1964.  She grew up painting and drawing in the natural surrounds of her family farm.

After nine years of working as a graphic artist, Karen ventured into self-employment where she has spent the last 26 years plus working on her exquisite oil paintings.

Her love for the natural world inspires her to paint life in its finest detail.

Watercolour used to be Karens' preferred medium in earlier years due to the detail that could be achieved.  However graphite pencil and oils have become her medium of choice as they enable her to achieve more contrast in colour and light.

Working from observation, sketches and her own photographs, a single work can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks to complete.

Whilst birds are Karen's main and subject matter, she also loves to paint still life and the landscape that surrounds her.