A Bolton woman whose youthful ambition to be an artist was blocked has finally opened her own art gallery and studio at the age of 61.

The Barn Studio Gallery, which adjoins Karen Holt’s farmhouse home on the moors above Bolton, is now welcoming art lovers.

For Karen, this milestone is the culmination of a passion ignited in her youth but set aside for decades.

As a young girl at Smithills School, she was inspired by her art teacher, Mr Williams.

"He was a very good teacher," Karen recalled, "He told me I should go to art college, but my parents insisted I get a 'proper' job."

Consequently, Karen spent 20 years in the textile industry as a laboratory manager before concentrating on her family.

Despite the detour, the spark of creativity never left Karen.

It wasn't until the lockdown, however, that she finally picked up her paintbrush and easel again.

Immersing herself in watercolours, acrylics, and mixed media, she found a renewed joy in creating art.

Her subjects often include the animals she has bred on her small stud and farm for many decades, capturing their dynamic movements and energy.

Karen's model horse helps her capture the perfect stance of her equine subjects “without the need for feeding or mucking out.”

She has painted hundreds of artworks, drawing inspiration from the local landscape and her vivid imagination. "I love returning to the same scene in different seasons," she said.

Her work also includes contemporary abstract pieces and commissions.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her artistic journey has been collaborating with her sons.

James Holt, a professional singer-songwriter, asked his mother to create the cover art for his single Sometimes I’m an Island.

Her other son, Sam, who holds a master’s degree in ancient history from Manchester University, enlisted Karen to illustrate two chapters of a book, The Life and Times of Smithills Estate.

Karen's husband, Mark, has also played a supportive role in her artistic endeavours.

One memorable instance was when he took a photo of the London skyline at her request, which she then used as the basis for a painting. Her farm, with its picturesque moorland views, also serves as a rich source of inspiration.

A member of the Visual Arts Association, Karen is eager to connect with the local community through her art. She plans to host open studio events in the future and is available for commissions. Her ethos emphasizes supporting local suppliers, from builders and electricians to framers, printers, and art supply stores.

The Barn Studio Gallery, housed in a former barn, is open by appointment. Visitors can expect to find a variety of artworks, including greeting cards, mini prints, and hand-embellished pieces.

For Karen, painting is a liberating experience. "I've no idea of time when I'm painting," she said. "I love the freedom of expression."

Karen can be contacted at karen@karenholtartist.co.uk