My name is Karin Kiessling, I was born in 1971 in Landau/Palatinate, in the south-west of Germany, and I still live there.
 

I studied pharmacy and worked in laboratories for 12 years, dedicated to natural sciences.
In 2007 a chronic illness changed my life completely. Due to the illness I could do almost nothing.

Some years later I felt a little bit better and was able to pursue my passion for painting and drawing.

I’m completely self-taught, using the internet as a great source for learning. I started with watercolour, mostly painting flowers and animals, and found my favourite media, pastels and charcoal, in 2014.
As a great animal and nature lover, animals, and occasionally people, became my favourite drawing subjects since then.

My aim is not only a highly realistic approach, but also to express the uniqueness and soul of every being I’m portraying.
That’s why it is very touching and satisfying for me to see the emotional reactions of my clients and other viewers of my portraits.

Through years of practice, my technique has become more and more refined.

Unfortunately, due to my severe chronic illness, it is still not possible for me to participate in exhibitions or other events to make my art better known.
All my energy is flowing into my paintings.

So far, I have shown these online, mainly via social media, where I have reached many people who have bought my art or commissioned me to draw for them.


2023, in the 25th annual Pastel 100 art competition of the American Pastel Journal, I’ve won 2nd place in the „animal + wildlife“ category with „Lion Love“.
My pastel drawing „Girl on the stairs“ received an honourable mention in the „portrait + figure“ category.

From 09/2016 – 12/2017 I have been a member of the Pastel Guild of Europe (PGE) with the following achievements:
Winner of the "Get Dusty" competition 10/2016 with "Amur Tiger" and honourable mention of "Grey Seal".
Honourable mention of "Ducklings" at the "Get Dusty" competition 04/2017