Decibellas’ Artist-in-Residence, Karen Smeatham

At Decibellas, not only are we known for our blue concert dresses, but we also draw many kind comments about the stunning artwork that graces our programmes and marketing material supporting our concerts twice a year.

And it is a little-known fact that the artwork is created by one of our talented Soprano 1s, Karen Smeatham, who joined Decibellas way back in May 2010, the year we began.

Decibellas’

Karen Smeatham

Karen has been creating artwork for Decibellas concerts since 2016

About Karen

Karen achieved a first-class degree in Art and Design as a mature student and now works as a professional artist. She currently works mainly in watercolour with her inspiration drawn from nature and the landscape. “It is the unpredictability of watercolour that excites me - using lots of water and paint is the key to beautiful blending and surprising effects.”

Karen has been creating artwork for Decibellas since 2016. A new design usually relates to a conversation about a song in the forthcoming concert but it can also come from a feeling, the season, a place or her imagination. “Before I put brush to paper I will gather together images, poems, verse that inspire ideas. I generally start in my sketchbook and then work out the main motifs, size, placement and colour palette. It usually takes a bit of practice to get all the elements working together. My aim is to create a piece that is both eye catching but allows space and quietness for the text to be added later.”

Image from 2017 and 2024 Christmas concert programmes

Karen is a keen member of both The Artists Group and Grosvenor Art Society and regularly exhibits her work with these groups. Her art was also used for the Platinum Proms concert in 2022 hosted by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Jeannie France-Hayhurst, herself a Decibella. Karen also creates logos and marketing designs for businesses.

Examples of Karen’s work can be found at www.ksmeatham.art

Decibellas is an upper-voices choir based in Tarporley, Cheshire, UK and hold two ticketed concerts a year.