A true chameleon of form and scale
KARA STRACHAN
Expressive Realism | Staffordshire, England
Kara Strachan is a UK-based artist whose evocative acrylic and mixed-media paintings are steeped in the best of both structured artistry and emotive atmospheres.
Born in Southport, her journey into fine art began with a bustling life in North London as a florist - where an intuitive understanding of floral beauty first took root. After relocating to Staffordshire in her mid-twenties, she found creative nourishment in the region’s ancient woodlands and classic gardens. This evolution of place and medium has culminated in a mature practice defined by layered complementary-toned underpaintings, dry brush texture, and movement-enhancing mediums.
Kara Strachan’s style is rooted in expressive realism, where technical precision is fused with an intuitive, emotional response to the natural world. Working in acrylics and mixed media, she layers underpaintings in complementary opposite tones, building depth and resonance beneath the surface. Her signature use of dry brush techniques creates atmospheric textures, while fluid mediums introduce movement, flow, and an almost elemental energy across the canvas.
Over 18 years of studio work have seen her capture everything from wistful coastal scenes - especially those inspired by the Northumbrian coast - to seasonal woodlands and vibrant florals. Her work is both sold through her studio and galleries across the UK, and shared widely via social media. Kara brings her vision to life not just through her canvases, but by guiding others in her workshops - from her Staffordshire studio to painting retreats in the Lake District and plein air sessions along Northumberland’s beaches.
A true chameleon of form and scale, Kara spent a decade creating anamorphic street art and immersive commercial pieces for multinational clients, melding her fine art sensibilities with bold, experiential design.
8, King Street