A woman standing next to a colorful abstract painting with various shades of blue, pink, green, and yellow, depicting flowers and bright, vibrant patterns.

Semi-Abstract Art, where colour, expression and a little chaos meet..

I’m Karyn Palmer – a creative soul from the South of Adelaide with a lifelong love of colour. I picked up a brush later in life and discovered something unexpected: freedom in the mess, and a voice I didn’t know I had!

My work is soulful, semi-abstract, and often textured – blending bold colour, emotion, and instinct. I love following a creative “whim” to see where it leads. Sometimes it’s playful, sometimes raw, but always real.

I work with acrylics, palette knives, inks, and expressive mark-making to build layers of colour, contrast, and character. My style sits between abstract expressionism and impressionistic suggestion — celebrating movement, transformation, and the beauty in what’s not fully defined.

I create because it brings me joy, grounding, and connection. And I share it in the hope it sparks something in you too — even just a moment to pause, breathe, and feel something shift.

If you find comfort in quiet moments, joy in gentle colour, and inspiration in nature and everyday beauty, this is your place. My hope is that my work feels like a deep breath, a warm cuppa, or sunlight through the trees — simple, honest, and here for you, exactly where you are.

Painting of a waterfront scene with colorful buildings, trees, and boats on the water, under a cloudy sky.

My Story

Thinking back, I can’t really remember being into art or painting as a child. I didn’t have a sketchbook tucked under my arm or dreams of becoming an artist. What I did love was cooking - which worked out well, because growing up in a big family meant there was always something that needed peeling, prepping, or baking. I was happy to oblige, even from a young age. I suppose that was my first creative outlet, and over the years, the kitchen remained one of my happy places.

Fast forward 30ish years - raising four awesome kids, working in all sorts of roles, navigating life, and becoming a very proud grandmama to four little beauties - and here I am. A lot older, a bit wiser, and newly in love… with painting.

I only discovered this passion recently, after picking up a paint brush on a whim & creating my first piece of art! (the above scene ‘Whispers of Hoi An’) I didn’t think much of it at the time - until others saw it and experienced an emotional response. That was the moment everything changed!

I’m learning as I go - because honestly, I don’t thrive in a classroom setting. I get overwhelmed with information overload (just realised! - lightbulb!) but give me a canvas and some colour, and I’ll find my way.

Painting has become a way of exploring freedom - from rules, perfectionism & expectations as well as the notion that you need to have it all figured out before you begin!

So, I’m glad you’re here – come along for the ride. I’ll also be sharing my process, the things that inspire me, and the surprising clarity that often shows up as the paint dries and the piece comes together. Join ‘The Inner Circle’ to stay in the loop. *see below.

Join the inner circle

Keep up to date with new artwork releases, upcoming live gallery viewings, exhibitions and behind the scenes sneak-peaks.