We caught up with this celebrated artist to learn more about her lifelong devotion to Africa’s wildlife and wilderness – and her passion for painting elephants and other endangered species.

*Karen in a state of flow whilst adding the finer details to a herd of elephants. Photo supplied by Karen Laurence-Rowe.*

WHAT ENCHANTS YOU MOST ABOUT THE VAST LANDSCAPES OF NORTHERN KENYA?

There’s an essence of wildness that draws me to capture what it has to offer – from its wildlife to its splendid people! They all live in harmony within this unique and dramatic landscape, and the combination is quite extraordinary. It’s a paradise for artists and photographers alike!

*Fully immersed in nature. Photo supplied by Karen Laurence-Rowe.*

WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF PAINTING WILDLIFE?

Wild animals are constantly on the move, so sketching and capturing them accurately requires supreme skill. It’s frustrating how many times I end up with only a squiggly line, or just the ear of an animal before it moves off or changes position!

It’s easier to paint landscapes and absorb what’s around me as much as I can – only to quickly sketch wildlife into sketchbooks when they appear. That’s a great way to create a ‘memory stick’.

I also photograph animals from game vehicles, and then use these images as references back in my studio to work from at leisure. My paintings are the result of the sketches and photographs – as well as memories and experiences I’ve built up over the years.

*Karen patiently waiting to photograph an elephant. Photo supplied by Karen Laurence-Rowe.*

WHAT ARE YOUR PREFERRED MEDIUMS TO WORK IN?

I mainly switch between watercolour on paper and oil on canvas. My watercolour paintings seem to be particularly popular – and I love the immediacy and unpredictability of the medium. For example, if I come across a group of Samburu Mamas in their strikingly coloured shukas (cloths) – I’ll immediately picture them painted in vibrant watercolours!

On the other hand, a grown elephant bull with the majestic Mathews Mountains and sweeping landscapes behind him definitely calls for oils! But as you’ll see in my paintings of Reteti’s orphans so far, I am leaning towards watercolours…

WHAT ARE YOUR THREE FAVOURITE COLOURS TO CAPTURE NAMUNYAK’S MAGIC?

I love working with a limited palette, and if I had to pick only three, it would be Prussian Blue, Yellow Ochre and Burnt Sienna… But can I please sneak in a few extras in my back pocket – in case I come across a Samburu Warrior in full regalia!

A timelapse of Karen painting Lerai, one of Reteti’s orphans

YOU TRANSLATE AFRICA’S BEAUTY VIVIDLY IN YOUR PAINTINGS – HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT IN WORDS?

I was born here and have lived here all my life – this continent is in my blood and always will be! If someone visits Africa even just for a week, they’ll take a little bit away with them and remember it forever. In the words of the award-winning writer Brian Jackman: “Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same.”

To read more about this talented artist and find out how her passion for nature comes to life in each of her paintings, read our blog about Karen or visit our shop to purchase one of her exclusive prints.