Meet the Maker - Karen Scott Murals
After more than two decades teaching the next generation of aspiring artists, Karen Scott’s own 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, as well as murals for homeowners and businesses.
“I spent 21 years as a high school visual arts teacher travelling to the Central Coast to teach every day,” Karen said.
“And while I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the skills of artmaking 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 portrait either with paint on canvas, watercolour and pencil, as a pet stone, or even a polymer clay “Doggy Dangler” or small 3D sculpture.
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 and Doggy Danglers. But she doesn’t just cater to dog 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 products at the Handmade in the Hunter Markets, which are held each weekend on the grounds of Kevin 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.
Stop by Karen's stall at Handmade in the Hunter Markets on 20, 27 and 28 March, plus 3, 4 and of 10 April. To see Karen’s work online visit www.karenscottmurals.com.au or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karenscottmurals
