How Karen Laurence-Rowe’s paintings portray the essence of Reteti’s orphans
Her passion for nature comes to life in each of her paintings – and it’s no wonder that Karen is at her happiest when she’s immersed in wild open spaces!
Lomunyak with his 'Badges of Honour' – through the eyes of this talented artist.
Whether she’s on the coastline or in the heart of the African bush, Karen is always on the look-out for fascinating forms of life – be it birds, mammals, insects or fish. “I’m thrilled at every sighting,” she says, “no matter how often I’ve seen that creature in the past!”
Remembering a childhood in unspoilt landscapes miles from shops and civilisation, Karen grew up at a time when Africa was vastly underdeveloped and teeming with wildlife. “I was born in Uganda, but my father’s work took us all over East Africa. As children, we loved being in the wilderness and seeing an abundance of wild species. Much of our playtime was spent drawing and painting the animals, and those early years certainly influenced the direction of my art today.”
"My brother Stewart was also my best friend, as there were no other children to play with in the camp where we lived. In order to entertain ourselves, we used to draw often. He showed me a painting of an elephant – and I had a go. The rest is history!"
– Karen Laurence-Rowe
Naturally, it’s been cause for concern to witness the landscapes of her childhood change over time, and amid the rapid increase of human populations, Africa’s development has been vast and swift. “As wild spaces have been making way for expansion and growth, the wildlife I love to paint dwindles noticeably as each year goes by.”
Realising art’s immense potential to unlock solutions to these significant challenges, Karen’s love for the continent keeps growing as her passion for her calling continues to deepen by the day. “They say a picture paints a thousand words, and it’s been a revelation to discover that my work can make a difference in the world of conservation!”
“It was a no-brainer to paint Reteti’s orphans in this playful manner – and I think it suits their adorable characters perfectly!
– Karen Laurence-Rowe
Karen won the Simon Combes Conservation Artist Award in Canada (2015), and she was also the only artist ever to win the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year award twice – in 2012 and in 2023. “When I won this award the first time, I realised that art could be a great tool in conservation awareness.”
Apart from honouring her contribution to wildlife art and celebrating the continent’s species on a global platform, her achievements play a significant role in drawing attention to the plight of various species and their ongoing conservation.
“I found my own maternal instincts growing as I painted these special souls – and this has been one of the most satisfying projects I’ve ever worked on!”
– Karen Laurence-Rowe
Up close and personal
Developing her own unique style over the years, Karen’s distinct watercolour paintings and freer-style sketches have gained immense popularity for the sincerity with which they depict Africa’s wildlife, mesmerising light, and sweeping landscapes. Underplaying the delicate beauty of her authentic approach, she laughs, “I’m a self-taught artist and the mistakes and ‘happy accidents’ along the way have become intrinsic to my style of painting.”
As an artist who prefers to take her time and really study her subjects, there could hardly be a better way to spend her days than engaging with Reteti’s orphans! Prints of Karen’s portraits of some of the elephants at the sanctuary are now available at our online shop – and each of these brings their characters to life!
Shop Karen’s Artwork
Prints of Karen’s watercolours are available in our online shop!
We’ll ship them anywhere in the world.
