Local Woombye artist Karen Osborn’s work has recently been recognised with an invitation to exhibit her art in Amsterdam during the upcoming Dutch Equine Art Fair.

“The Art Fair is invitation only and exhibits works from just 23 international artists,” said Michelle Hearnden, Director of the Sunshine Artisan Collective.

“Karen holds a weekly private art group in our workroom and this invitation is just an incredible validation of her immense talent.”

The Dutch Equine Art Fair will showcase 22 international equine artists, who represent the best of the best in equine art. There will be a diverse array of equine-themed artworks, including bronze sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings, stunning photography, ceramics, and mixed media creations.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected to have four of my works represented at this exhibition,” Karen said.

“I’m extremely blessed to be living where my studio overlooks my small herd. It’s a short step out the door to be invited into their space and interact, and I often steal down to the paddock and lie with them in the magic of a moonlit night.

I work predominantly in pastels, and look to express the fleeting moment, the intangible, the essence of the equine,” she said.

Largely self-taught, Karen's unique style has developed under the influence of study with accomplished mentors, in particular the Michael Angel Academy in Florence.

Karen has painted in oils from an early age, and then discovered a talent and passion for pastels. She has become accomplished in this medium, with works in international private collections around the world.

Karen’s work has achieved various awards, including twice being a finalist in the prestigious Shirley Hannon Portrait Awards, and winning the Manhattan Arts International ‘Healing Power of Art’ award in 2001. More recently, Karen’s work has achieved first place Equine Art Award at the 2024 Camberwell Art Show, and she is a finalist at the upcoming DuReitz awards in September 2024.

Karen is also renowned for her teaching skills, and has been teaching for over twenty years, with many of her students becoming professional artists and holding solo exhibitions.

You can find out more about the Dutch Equine Art Fair at www.dutchequineartfair.com