Thank you Elaine Paige

Sundays are my walking days and together with Mr G and Bruno we either walk from our home or venture further into The Peak District discovering new places or revisiting our favourite walks.  We usually end up somewhere high up on the moors or along the edges and always think it would be rude not to call for a pint!

However today the rain hasn't stopped so we've had a day pottering and I've spent a lovely day in my studio with the heater on and my mug of coffee topped up.  Bruno chose to stay with me (not daft as it's warm and cosy) and I've managed to crack on with the three canvases I'm still underpainting for the tryptic commission and prepping lots of new canvases listening to Michael Ball on the radio.  As soon as Elaine Paige came on so did my own music! 

It was whilst listening to one of my favourite songs by Led Zeppelin that the name for my new series of paintings for 2017 was finalised. I'd been struggling with a title for ages. 😀  I knew what the content would be as I am doing a series of oils and watercolours inspired by my Sunday walks.  

So with more of a focus I had another few hours working on the first one of the series and had an idea for the second

Ramble On Series #1 - Beeley Moor
Ramble On Series #2 - Padley Gorge

So a big thanks to Elaine and apologies to her fans.

Keep you posted

love Karina  x

...and Bruno 🐶 x
(who had to be woken for a quick run in the woods between showers #itsadogslife)

It's not the size that matters!

Sorting stuff in the studio this morning for a birthday present reminded me that when I was in the gallery I often saw customers struggling to find what they were looking for, that special little gift that didn't break the bank yet would be personal to the recipient or their family.  Not everyone can afford to splash out can they.  Besides "it's the thought that counts".

I often happily stopped what I was working on to do an impromptu little personalised painting and after working on bigger canvases I always enjoyed the break and the challenge.

One special memory was a regular customer with her wedding on the horizon looking for "thank you" gifts for her bridesmaids and best man.  We looked at jewellery and the usual things but with the ages ranging so much she wanted something that would unite all the gifts yet be personal to each and every one. We chatted more and she mentioned that the song "A perfect day" would play a role and then she spoke about each and every bridesmaid and the best man and what they all liked. 

The seed was sown and after a few emails and phone calls I presented her with a collection of framed mini personalised watercolours and we even included one for the groom.  With space on the back for their personal message the feedback was that these went down a treat. Here are a few of them

 for the young bookworm

 for the cat lover

 for the champagne and cat lover

for the shoeaholic

for the young newt keeper

for the afghanhound lover

for the groom











2015 and 2016 saw me mainly painting in oils, landscapes of the Peak District on canvases but I started out as a watercolour artist and still love the unpredictability and delicateness of watercolours.  

Since moving to my new private studio I've been asked if I am still doing the little family trees, and the "I love you more than..." minis which again were an unusual yet affordable gift.

The answer is YES!

I've not put these on my website as I want to keep that for my paintings and prints but you can get in touch by email karinagoodman@icloud.com or pop over to my Etsy Shop where you can see more info and order online https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Studio61GalleryGifts 

I tend to do my House Portraits mainly in watercolour but always up for a challenge

I love doing these and work to the customers budget and colour palette
I'm hoping to do more in 2017 ...


I will still be working to commission no matter how big or small and am always happy to advise and get the old cogs working to come up with something a bit different. I'm looking forward to starting my book illustration work too.


My next painting commission is a 6 foot tryptic to be shipped overseas.  The customer did want a 6 foot canvas but because of high shipping costs and possible damage I suggested three canvases to form one painting.  Really looking forward to the challenge of this

So if you've got any special birthdays, weddings, anniversary's or events coming up and want something unique yet won't break the bank then please shout up
.........size doesn't matter!!

Off now to get another coffee and move around a bit cos I've got frozen sat here on my laptop..

keep warm... love Karina xx

Plans, Paints and Post-its

Happy New Year.  It's my first day back in the studio after a very relaxing family Christmas and I'm finally using my new 2017 diary which I've been filling for some time with events, exhibitions and stuff. I've always had a thing for new stationery, so armed with a ton of new post-its from Santa and a grown up year planner, I'm looking forward to this year feeling a lot more organised!  Let's review that in March eh 😀

A nice start to 2017 was a mention in Art Share Love Wales magazine having been approached last year

January will also see me starting a new body of work for my first exhibition of the year in March at Cromford Studio and Gallery.  Some new pieces will be framed oils on paper in a new colour palette.  Rather excited about this and can't wait to get cracking. 

February 8th sees the start of a new art group I am co-running with artist friend, Ruth Gray who I work closely with as we form Purple and Grey, an art consultancy helping other artists network, learn and create. (Check our website as first networking event is in Matlock on 25 January) 

Our Derbyshire Regional SAA Art Group is open to all abilities, friendly and informal with a full year planned so if you fancy joining us then please get in touch.  We meet twice a month at Tansley Village Hall, on the road and at galleries/venues

I also intend working on my second children's book, both writing and illustrating and I've got a book illustration commission in the pipeline, so now my studio is tucked away I'm hoping I can get more done than last year. No excuse now.

I love working to commission and am still taking commissions for paintings, favourite views and house portraits.  I work in oils and watercolours so again shout up if I can help. I can do gift vouchers for wedding gifts, special birthdays etc.  More info is on my commissions page on my website

I'm looking forward to more time to visit stockists of my work up and down the country and keep them supplied with new work, which I sadly neglected because of lack of time.  Plus I always love a road trip with Bruno in Stan so it will be nice to mix business with pleasure

I'm hoping to keep my blog more updated so if I don't give me a nudge please eh!


Anyway I'm off to get another coffee and tackle those emails before I take my little pal for his walk in the woods

Keep warm and catch up soon

Love Karina 

and Bruno xx