Karyn Hitchman

Karyn Hitchman, Painter in Oils & Children's Book Illustrator.

Karyn has started a new series, called Romantics. This is inspired by firstly her love of this group of artists' artworks, and then by a recent trip to the UK and Nederlands and visiting the galleries full of beautiful artworks held there, especially the Pre-Raphaelites exhibition 'The Rossettis' held at the TATE Britain gallery in London, and the Pre-Raphaelites drawings exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford.

I paint on canvas in a classic realism style using oils.  I love painting in oils, having the ability to work slowly and mix and blend colours, sometimes directly on the canvas.

I worked for many years in the fashion industry as a designer and pattern-maker, then for several years guiding tourists on the mountain and nature trails of New Zealand's South Island, I have been inspired by these as well as history and costume. Therefore, I love painting colour, texture, fabric, nature, and I love painting people.  I am a self-taught artist and have taken private lessons with some of my much-admired fellow artists.

I am a kiwi, and after moving around New Zealand for a few years, my husband (who is English), and I have settled in Oamaru - an arty, historic town on the east coast of NZ's South Island. 
My paintings are found in galleries and private collections in New Zealand and other countries around the world.​