Popular Bishop's Stortford artist is drawing a line under paint demos

Bubbly Bishop’s Stortford-based painter Karen Adams has decided to call time on her popular art demonstrations.

The reason behind Karen’s decision is that demand for her work has become so great, she wants to give herself more time to create her highly tactile, multi-layered, 3D-effect masterpieces.

Her final tutorial, Inspirations of a Contemporary Artist, will take place at the Hunters Meet in Hatfield Heath on Wednesday, August 14.

This will be Karen’s 63rd art demo to date and it will coincide with the Federation of Essex WI’s special event Five Lunches Across the County, and the event is open to members of Hertfordshire and Essex branches of the Women’s Institute as well as non-members.

Karen also works as a parking warden in the Waitrose car park in Northgate End, but she is excited about the next chapter in her artistic career, although she will miss doing her demonstrations.

“I became a contemporary artist 15 years ago this September and within two years had begun my art demonstrations,” said Karen.

“I have enjoyed each and every one and loved meeting so many different characters along the way in so many different places. I am extremely proud to say the feedback I have received with them has blown me away, with some amazing compliments.”

Karen’s first demonstrations took place in 2006. She started at Manuden Primary School, which she herself attended between the ages of seven and 11.

“I found it to be a great honour to be asked by the school,” said Karen. “I got such good feedback and it seemed to be enjoyed that a lovely teacher and friend called Maggie Archer in 2015 recommended my name to do a return visit to do three different classes on one day.”

From there, word quickly spread about Karen’s capabilities and cheerful manner. She was asked to speak at other schools, WIs, U3A groups and various art societies in Bishop’s Stortford, Much Hadham and Saffron Walden.

“This last art demonstration is such an honour to be asked to do and I feel will be a high to end on,” said Karen.

“All good things have to come to an end and it’s like knowing when to finish a painting – you have to know when the right time is to stop before the possibilities of ruining it.”

• Tickets to Karen’s last demonstration at the WI’s Five Lunches Across the County cost £29 for non-members and £26 for members. This includes a two-course lunch – of which each course has five options – plus tea and coffee. To book, contact the Federation of Essex Women’s Institutes on 01245 382233.