Meet one of IAVA’s new members Kathy Karas. We asked Kathy a few questions about her art practice.
Kathy with her art.
What was your earliest memory of an interaction with Art?
About the age of four I drew stick figures on the first pages of my Blinky Bill book. I still have that book and it is one of my prized possessions.
On leaving school I joined my family’s decorating firm. There I trained as a colour consultant and this became a good grounding for my future art practice.
How would you describe your art practice? (
I paint in watercolour, pen and wash, acrylics and oils and enjoy sketch booking when travelling. My work is impressionistic and contemporary. I enjoy painting in the rainforest, by the ocean or in my studio. I also enjoy painting portraits and have completed many portrait commissions.
Do you have a favourite artist and/or artwork? What is it that makes them your favourite?
Arthur Streeton’s landscapes and conservation work; Margaret Olley for her amazing life as an artist and her fostering of young artists. John Olsen for his abstract work; Sydney artist Julz Beresford for her lusciously textured landscapes; Vincent Fantauzzo’s hyper-realism.
Most recent adventure or achievement?
Finalist in this year’s Doyles Art Award; work exhibited at Fabriano in Aquarello and Urbino in Aquarello for the second year. I have also had work in the international watercolour exhibition in Bulgaria.
A joint exhibition with my dad Jewel of the Illawarra was an exhibition of paintings and wood block prints on the history of boating on Lake Illawarra. This exhibition was shown at Shellharbour City Civic Centre.
Any current goals you’re working towards?
Currently I’m honing my skills in watercolour. I look forward to taking my group to Greece this September for an art inspired tour. Art travel is a huge part of what I do and I have plans for future travel within Australia and overseas.