Part of the New Light Prize Exhibition 2020

Born in Yorkshire, Karen de la Gorce studied art at the Batley School of Art & Design, Interior Design at the Metropolitan University of Manchester and Portraiture at the Studio Escalier, Paris. After her studies, Karen worked in Hong Kong as an interior architect with international architectural practices. Upon moving to France and while raising 3 children, she realised her true passion was art and this led her to painting full time in 2019.

Karen paints portraits with usually start with a sketch of her model followed by a photo shoot, then continuing her work in her studio beginning with grisaille and adding layers of colour until it is complete. Her portrait Miss'Jack Ink was selected and exhibited for the 2020 Royal society of British Artists, Mall Galleries in London.