Karen Heywood

Karen has drawn and painted since her childhood, when she spent many hours with her sister illustrating imagined stories based around their dolls' exploits.

After leaving school, Karen attended Stockport College of Art where she won two local competitions for designing programme covers, and received her first commission designing and illustrating a school wall chart.

At Leicester College of Art, where she studied for her Dip AD, Karen was awarded a Bursary by the Royal Society of Arts as a result of winning a national competition.

Her career as an artist has involved illustrating books for publishers such as Penguin, Hamish Hamilton and Collins.  She has also animated on Dangermouse, Duckula and the BFG for Cosgrove Hall Films. Other work has included teaching illustration and design at Salford College of Art and painting a childrens' mural at Bolton General Hospital.

In 2000, Karen spent six years as an Art Therapist working with cancer patients (at Christies and Beechwood Cancer Care Centre), children in care, and community groups. It was during this time that she became inspired to develop her own creativity and consequently decided to rent a studio at Vernon Mill.

Although her illustration background is apparent from looking at her work, Karen's main interest lies in exporing the imagination, i.e. emotions, dreams, symbolism and fantasy. She prefers to express what motivates her at the time, rather than be restricted to a particular style.

Sources of inspiration  arise from daily walks in the High Peak, life drawing, and also the works of artists such as Freda Carlo, Arthur Rackham, Hieronymus Bosch and Ann Sudworth.

Tel. 01663 743489
Email: karen.heywood1@btinternet.com