KAREN BEZUIDENHOUT

Karen Bezuidenhout, a Santa Barbara-based artist originally from the wine country of Stellenbosch, South Africa, developed a deep love for nature, animals and adventure. In 1996, a local art exhibition ignited her passion for painting, leading her to sign up for art lessons with artist, Pieter Vermaak. After relocating to San Francisco in 1999, she struggled with homesickness, finding solace in painting in her small kitchen.

In Santa Barbara, she met influential painter Bill Woolway, and soon her work gained recognition.

Her rich, earthy palette, inspired by Africa, now harmonizes with vibrant California blues and greens, and also white. Her subjects—horses, landscapes, and more—reflect her life experiences, and imagination. Traveling to Africa twice a year, horse riding and hiking the Santa Barbara mountains, she infuses her work with stories and emotions. Described as “primitive yet sophisticated” and “peaceful and healing,” her paintings are cherished worldwide. Working mainly in acrylic and mixed media in her rustic, outdoor studio, surrounded by dogs and the music of Van Morrison, Karen states, “I paint from my heart. My paintings are about love.”