Meet the Maker: Karen Scott Murals

After more than two decades teaching the next generation of aspiring artists, Karen Scott’s own career as a painter has gone to the dogs – literally! The Martinsville woman has switched from teaching art to selling it, putting her skills into practice as a pet portrait artist and muralist.

From humble beginnings painting her own pooch’s portrait, she now has a flourishing business – Karen Scott Murals – which sees her create custom artworks for doting pet owners, as well as murals for homeowners and businesses.

“I spent 21 years as a high school visual arts teacher travelling to the Central Coast to teach every day,” Karen said.

“And while I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the skills of art-making to aspiring young artists, I rarely had the time to enjoy creating my own

art. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever dare to imagine that one day I would resign from teaching to pursue my passion for art and actually create my own small business from it!”

Owners email a photo of their pet to Karen, who then creates a realistic portrait either with paint on canvas, watercolour and pencil, as a pet stone, or even a polymer clay “Doggy Dangler” or small 3D sculpture.

Tapping into people’s love of animals even further, Karen has also created a range of more than 600 hand-sculpted dog, cat and animal magnets and Doggy Danglers, as well as producing a line of original gift cards based on her murals and portraits.

Aside from the custom commissions, Karen sells her quirky and unique range of artworks and products at the Handmade in the Hunter Markets, which are held each month on the grounds of Kevin Sobels Wines.

“I love market day and look forward to every single one, along with the promise of meeting new clients who would like their fur-children painted as a treasured portrait or pet stone!” she said. You can see Karen’s work online at www.karenscottmurals.com.au or stop by her stall at this month’s markets, which will be held on February 23rd.