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® PUAying With Cadowr Local artist Karen Richardson captures the essence of Canadian landscapes through her award winning watercolours sain You don’t need to trek all over Canada to get a feel for its scenic views or its pristine natural wild- life. All you need to do is take a walk through Karen Richardson’s home art studio. Suddenly, you'll feel as if you actually hiked along the rocks in New- foundland or climbed the mountains in Saskatchewan or embraced the snowy blizzards in Algonquin Park. Filled with breathtaking watercolour paintings of peaceful landscapes, vibrant foliage and stunning architecture, her stu- dio will whisk you off to a remote world of tranquility and beauty. This world is what Karen refers to as “natural paradise,” and it has become the inspiration behind much of her work. “I am. 16 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2008 | 40.0CTOBER.40 pages 16 ® constantly in an_ instinctive search for peaceful places,” she explains. “I’m inspired by places that aren’t visually busy and that have dramatic landscapes.” Karen refers to her busy schedule and the hustle and bustle of ev- eryday life as a means of justify- ing her passion for evoking soli- tude in her artwork. “Art, for me, isa retreat,” she says, “and I think other people connect with that.” Karen jokes that you won't ever catch her painting raging storm waves. Rather you're likely to find her hard at work recreating what she identifies as “beautiful reflec- tions” of nature. Her travels and Karen Richardson is seen here in her Port Perry studio, and above, is Karen’s painting “Cuban Rhythms,” which was created after visiting Cuba in 2007.