Expressive, semi-abstract landscape art to bring light, colour and presence into your home.

Landscape and coastal art that calls you home.

Hello. I’m Kari Herbert, an artist and writer based in Cornwall, UK. A lot of my work begins in wild landscapes, from the Arctic tundra to windswept moors and craggy Cornish coastlines.

The daughter of a polar explorer, I’ve always been drawn to wide open places – I'm fascinated with the ever-changing light and atmosphere, and how a place makes me feel.

For me, painting is not about capturing the reality of what’s in front of me, it’s more about trying to express the feeling of place, exploring the quality of light, and playing with colour, texture and mood, without trying to contain and flatten it as a photograph would. I want my paintings to feel alive, and for them to excite and intrigue you every time you look at them.

Whether you’re drawn to something soft and peaceful, or something more layered and
atmospheric, this is art that invites you to pause, dream and feel both inspired and at home with.

Original paintings from £350 · Fine art prints from £60 · Free UK delivery over £88.

Simply click on the buttons below to browse everything, or scroll down to find collections arranged by mood and feeling.

Enjoy x

SHOP PRINTSSHOP ORIGINALS

Shop by Feeling

Bringing Nature Home

I love the feeling of being immersed in expansive, elemental landscapes. They remind me of what it means to feel deeply and live freely. They remind me to slow down, to soften and be more awake to the present moment.

For me, creating art brings that feeling into form. It is my way of expressing a sense of something 'other' that is hard to describe in words. It is beyond creating something lovely to look at, for me this is soul connection; heart vibration; joy expansion. Art that resonates, inspires, and elevates.

A BIT ABOUT MY PROCESS

I find sketching or simply being present in wild nature sparks something in me – a memory, a sense of wonder  - the paintings themselves are then often created over time, layer by layer, in the studio.

My paintings are semi-abstract, loose and expressive. Sometimes they are wildly colourful; sometimes the palette is more muted and soft; or they may become moody and dramatic with the play of light and shadow being the main character energy.

All are inspired by a sense of place, even if they don’t look like one.

I often start outdoors with a sketchbook, making very fast studies in pen and ink or soft pencil. These sketches help me tune into the landscape, to a sense of what I’m experiencing. These feed my creative process.

Once I start painting on board or canvas the process itself takes over – an intuitive, energetic process, drawing on a lifetime of experiences in the wild, and being open to how colour, light, texture and tone communicate and resonate with each other as I create, with layer upon layer of paint, pastel, charcoal and cold wax.

Hello, I'm Kari -

I’m a contemporary British artist creating energy-infused artworks inspired by wild nature, the elements, adventure, freedom, and soulful expression – all things that move me deeply.

Each painting begins with a sense of place, but quickly becomes an intuitive, layered response. I work with acrylic, cold wax, pastel, and charcoal — allowing the materials to guide the process. I love how colour calls to colour, how each mark leads to the next. My aim is to create art that resonates on a soul level — pieces that reflect both the energy of the natural world and our own inner landscapes.

I studied Art & Design at Exeter College of Art and Portsmouth University (BA Hons), and have exhibited in galleries throughout the UK and Europe. I’m also the author of several books on art and exploration, including We Are Artists and Explorers’ Sketchbooks (Thames & Hudson).

I inherited my wanderlust and creativity from my late dad, Sir Wally Herbert, a polar explorer and artist. His art can be found by clicking on his name.

I am also a mindfulness guide and creative coach, helping others to unlock their creativity.

Each chapter of my life has been driven by curiosity and a deep love of beauty, creativity, and the natural world.

Yet, deep down, my own art practice was always calling. Now I exhibit across the UK and Europe and have my artworks in private collections worldwide.

Read more...

Collectors' Feedback...

  • "I bought a series of 3 oil paintings in June. Kari has really captured the feel and warmth with her use of light and colours.  I love looking at them as they allow me to feel free and hopeful - I get lost in the scenes and I can almost feel the sea breeze! Kari's customer care is amazing and I can't recommend her highly enough." - Lisa Mullarkey - 5 Stars

  • "I love Kari's work, it is airy, expansive, ethereal. I am so delighted with the painting we bought. It has made such a difference to our home and is often a talking point when friends come to visit. I want to buy all her art!" - JF - 5 Stars

  • "I saw one of Kari's paintings a few months ago and simply had to buy it. There is such tenderness and delicacy in her paintings, but there's also an underlying sense of the ever-changing nature of things. She captures moments in time so beautifully. I find her work utterly intriguing." PL - 5 Stars

  • “I just bought one of Kari’s new original paintings. It’s just so beautiful. The dark
    and stormy Cornish beach, with a glimpse of warm light, shows Kari’s skill and understanding in creating a dramatic sense of light and shade along with depth and a wonderful shape of movement...

    My family and I love this piece. Thank you Kari for the joy you’ve brought to our home and for reminding me of the love and yearning I have for Cornwall.” James Williamson - 5 Stars