Karen Sargent, a Canadian painter hailing from the vast landscapes of Saskatchewan, has always felt a profound connection to the natural beauty that surrounds us. Growing up in this expansive region, she later moved to Nanaimo, British Columbia in 2006, where her creative journey truly began. It was here, amidst the inspiring vistas of Vancouver Island, that she turned her dreams of painting into reality. Despite facing the unique challenge of aphantasia, a condition that prevents her from visualizing images in her mind’s eye, Karen has taught herself to create extraordinary works of art.

In her pursuit of expression, Karen chooses acrylic as her medium, crafting captivating landscapes, nature-inspired still life, and emotive abstracts. Each piece is a testament to her ability to navigate around her inability to visualize spontaneously; she skillfully uses photos and videos as reference points, layering acrylics to bring her vision to life. Her exceptional talent has garnered recognition, with her painting “Ocean Waves Beckon” winning the Award of Excellence at the Sooke Fine Art Show in 2018, alongside numerous other accolades and gallery features.

​

Karen's art is deeply infused with emotion, aiming to evoke heartwarming responses from viewers. Her detailed portrayals of the West Coast's beauty, alongside delicate floral and still life compositions, radiate her passion and deep appreciation for nature. While she has a strong affinity for painting seascapes, her abstract work emerges spontaneously, guided neither by premeditated structure nor constraint, allowing her brush to flow freely across the canvas. It is during these moments that she dives into her inner self, channeling her emotions and creating pieces that resonate with profound authenticity.

​

For Karen, every scene is a potential masterpiece, each eliciting an emotional response that compels her to capture its essence on canvas. This intimate connection with her surroundings is what drives her creativity, transforming the landscapes around her into vivid works of art. Although shy to paint on site, Karen often explores and captures the essence of her inspiration through photography and video, which then guides her artistic process within the solitude of her studio.

Karen's work is not only a visual representation of her surroundings but also an intimate reflection of her journey—a journey defined by overcoming barriers and embracing the beauty of creation. Her unique technique and approach make her work truly one-of-a-kind, inviting audiences to experience the world through her heartfelt and often unexpected lens.