By NICOLE VALICEK
KARIN Zeller’s love of art began when she was a child.
She says she knew from a young age it would be her professional calling.
Born in Germany and Canadian by nationality, she moved to Altona Meadows 20 years ago and has worked as a professional artist for more than two decades.
Karin has a home studio in her backyard where she paints and teaches art classes and workshops.
“I’ve always loved to draw as a kid, and I never really grew out of it,” she said.
Her work was always encouraged and after completing some art courses after high school she fell into drawing pencil portraits by commission.
“I love to experiment with many mediums, but my favourite is watercolour. I also work in acrylics, and that would have to be my second favourite medium,” she said.
Her work that features a collection of vibrant cat-like creatures is currently on display inside Salt N Pepa at Harrington Square.
The exhibition was part of Art in Public Places that finished on 5 May but will remain at the store by request of the owner for a few more weeks.
Karin said inspiration for her work comes from nature and artists she admires including Picasso and Margaret Olley.
“When I see art that I love, it usually inspires me.”
“If I don’t feel inspired I will just start playing with my paints or start to draw or doodle and eventually inspiration comes.”
Karin said she hopes to follow in the footstep of Ms Olley and Picasso who were still painting well into old age.
“They never stopped… I hope I’ll be painting until I’m 100.”
Many of Karin’s paintings can be found in public and private collections, and her work is now available as prints, greeting cards and calendars.
Some of her designs were chosen by a company to feature on their notebooks and journals which are available in shops worldwide.
Anyone interested in art classes can contact Karin on 0413714085.
