KARYN HITCHMAN ARTIST

Commissions
I  will happily undertake your commission.  I will work with you and discuss what you are particularly looking for.  You may want yourself or your child to be represented in a painting in my style.  Please contact me to discuss.

As a painter and storyteller, I am captivated by the rich tapestry of history, costume, and human expression. My current series, *"The Aristocrats,"* is an homage to our ancestors and the opulence—and excess—of 18th-century France during the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Through these portraits, I aim to transport viewers into a world of elegance and intrigue, imagining my subjects as if they could be part of their own ancestral lineage, woven into the fabric of fantasy and history.

Working exclusively in oils on canvas, I embrace the timeless tradition of realism, allowing myself the freedom to blend and layer colours slowly, capturing textures, fabrics, and subtle expressions that breathe life into each piece. My love for colour, texture, and detail stems from my diverse background—initially as a fashion designer/patternmaker, then as a guide in New Zealand's stunning landscapes—each experience fueling my passion for capturing the beauty of fabric, nature, and human connection.

As a self-taught artist mentored by inspiring peers, I am continually evolving, drawing inspiration from the natural world, history, and the stories that connect us across time. My paintings aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia, curiosity, and reverence—I aim to evoke a sense of curiosity and nostalgia, encouraging viewers to reflect on the histories we carry within us.

Ultimately, my art is a celebration of storytelling—an ode to history, human connection, and the enduring power of imagination.

My work is held in galleries and private collections across New Zealand and around the world, each piece a testament to my love of storytelling through art and my devotion to capturing the enduring beauty of the human spirit.

AWARDS

 - 2011 Silk Road (Qtn) - Best Local Art award for "Her Serene Empress of Rose"
 - 2012 Locations Art Award (Qtn) - Best Artwork of the Exhibition award for her painting titled "Ebony"
 - 2013 Finalist in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Awards for "Tea Ceremony"
 - 2016 Finalist in the Cliftons Art Prize for "Believe"​

Picture
Her Serene Empress of Rose'
Silk Velvet & Acrylic on Canvas 40x40cm (plus draping velvet).  SOLD at The Silk Road 2011 exhibition
'Ebony'
​Oil on Canvas,  30cm x 40cm
​Winner of the Locations Awards Exhibition 2012
Purchased by the Queenstown Art Society for their collection
'The Cup' - finalist in Molly Morpeth Canaday 2013, Oil on Canvas 45x30cm,  SOLD at the exhibition
'Believe' - finalist in Clifton's Art Prize 2016
Oil on Canvas, 45cm x 45cm, available

MEDIA

ART/EDIT Magazine: Australian glossy Art and Interior Design magazine - see below
ARTICLE FOR - 2011 Silk Road - Best Local Art award for "Her Serene Empress of Rose"
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown-lakes/glenorchy-artist-wins-silk-award
​ARTICLE FOR  - 2012 Locations Art Award - Best Artwork of the Exhibition award for her painting titled "Ebony"
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/apt-way-use-art-award-prize-money