I’m Karen, a Ningaloo watercolour artist based in Exmouth, Western Australia.
Originally from Japan, I’ve loved drawing and creating for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always drawn to flowers, people and animals, and I spent six years studying Japanese calligraphy — an experience that I feel still influences the way I work with water and brush today.
After moving to Exmouth, surrounded by the incredible colours and landscapes of the Ningaloo Coast, I felt inspired to start painting again.
The ocean, wildlife, wildflowers and quiet moments of everyday coastal life are at the heart of my work. I love capturing not only what I see, but also the feeling of a place — the colours, movement and small moments that make it special.
Watercolour gives me the freedom to paint intuitively, allowing the water and colours to move naturally across the paper. Each piece is created from my own connection to the places and moments that inspire me.
I hope my artwork brings a little piece of the Ningaloo Coast, and the feeling of coastal life, into your home.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my work. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Love,
Karen x
Awards & Achievements
2026 — 1st Place, ArtQuest Exmouth — Pieces of Exmouth
2025 — 1st Place, ArtQuest Exmouth — Mother
2025 — 1st Place & People’s Choice Award, ArtQuest Exmouth — Peace and Love