Trend | Karen Hadjitofi: A study in pastels

Karen Hadjitofi found her love of art rekindled as her family grew up…

‘I grew up in Glasgow and was lucky enough to graduate from the Glasgow School of Art with a degree in Graphic Design. After working in design for a few years, I moved to Aberdeen with my husband and my focus shifted to bringing up our family. Back in 2009, I took part in the North East Open Studios for the first time which rekindled my passion for art and I loved meeting other artists too’, Karen enthused.

‘I love walking in the country and in the city’s parks as well. I gather a lot of information in my head, then work with preliminary sketches and my own photographs. A lot of my smaller watercolours are from my imagination, but based on my memories and senses. The natural world and all its colours, shapes, textures and patterns is a constant inspiration, as is the work of artists such as Paul Klee, Gustav Klimt and M.C. Escher.

In recent years I’ve exhibited in local galleries in and around Aberdeen and have a range of cards which are available in shops from Orkney to the Falkland Islands. I’m currently working on a series of paintings of the Victoria and Westburn Parks in Aberdeen for an exhibition in the Belvidere Gallery in Rosemount at the beginning of May. I hope to raise awareness of the various voluntary groups that support the council in keeping these parks looking beautiful.

‘I’m also taking part in ArtAboyne in July and in NEOS in September, showing jointly with two friends near Fourdon. My work can be purchased in the Jack Tierney Gallery in Cults, The Milton Gallery at Crathes and the Belvidere Gallery, and I’m always happy to discuss commissions’.