about

Arensia Arts is created and run by me, Karen ‘Kaz’ Sikka. I work mainly with acrylic paints, but enjoy experimenting with other media, including coloured pencils, oil paints and digital art.

I’m a self-taught painter, having rediscovered my passion for art during the pandemic, and I’ve been painting ever since. I specialise in creating art using bold, vibrant colours and intricate detail. My favourite subjects to paint are flowers and food.

I had a love of drawing from a young age, and often sat with my Grandad (a self-taught watercolour artist) whilst he would show me how to draw – trees were a favourite. I could often be found with felt tips in (and all over!) my hands, and always used to draw birthday cards for my family. I even won a poster competition at school and one at a local theatre.

I went on to take a GCSE in art at high school, focusing mainly on pencil and pastel drawings as, quite frankly, the idea of trying to manipulate a paintbrush scared me! My Grandad died shortly before my exam and I lost all the joy I’d found in drawing, consigning my art equipment to the back of my desk to remain untouched.

I went on to study science-based degrees at univesity, but still had the drive to create. Over the years, I’ve taught myself to decorate cakes, make jewellery, and do fancy dress make up; and have enjoyed taking workshops in crafts such as pottery and silversmithing.

I finally picked up the pencils again during the UK’s second lockdown. I followed an online tutorial, wondering if this would help pass the time and if I was still able to draw. To my surprise and delight, I produced a drawing that was recognisable to both myself and others! I carried on drawing for the next couple of months before I decided to face my fear: paint.

Once I’d finally taken the plunge, I couldn’t put my paintbrushes down! I found using bright colours also brightened my mood, and the hours flew by when I was in front of a canvas. Painting was something I needed to do.

After many years in desk jobs in the charity sector, I decided I’d be much happier pursuing a creative career, so here we are. I hope that my paintings will brighten your life as they have my own, and that you enjoy browsing and maybe even purchasing my work.

If you have any questions, please take a look at my FAQs