Karien Sketches

I have always loved to draw.

Since I can remember I have this habit of following the outlines of objects and buildings with my eyes, as if drawing it.

Frederick Franck, author of “The Zen of Seeing”, writes:

“Drawing is the discipline by which I constantly rediscover the world. I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen, and that when I start drawing an ordinary thing, I realize how extraordinary it is, sheer miracle.”

After graduating from the University of Cape Town’s School of Architecture, I practiced as an Architect in South Africa until our family relocated to the south of France.

Here, inspired by my new environment, I rediscovered the simple pleasure of drawing.

I started experimenting with Aquarelle when a children’s school watercolour set lying around piqued my curiosity. Often called an unforgiving medium, referring to the difficulty, if not outright impossibility to correct an error, I have up till then deliberately avoided this medium. I will draw with anything capable of making a mark on paper. However, my go-to medium, my favourite, remains a good old fashioned pencil.

Inspired by the built environment as well as nature and landscapes alike, I try to capture the gist of my subject.

…And so I keep drawing, following the lines of what I see.

Professional Education

• Bachelor of Building Arts, University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• Master of Architecture, University of Cape Town, South Africa
• Registered Architect with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession