“...dream beyond the boundaries of the real and… root in what we actually want for the future” - Walidah Imarisha
Hello, I’m Dr. Karen McPhail-Bell
I am a coach, visual artist and facilitator
I live and work on the lands of the Kombumerri people, Gold Coast, Australia.
As an artist, I create one-of-a-kind mixed media paintings that evoke connection to place and bring meaning and beauty in your home or office.
As a creative leadership coach, I help values-based professionals to cultivate self-leadership, unlock hidden potential, and gain clarity to make the changes they deeply (maybe secretly) desire - bringing more confidence and creative freedom into their life and career.
As an internationally recognised creative leader and facilitator working at the intersection of art, health and systems change, I help you and your team reimagine your work to energise the change you want to make.
Read on to learn more or get in touch.
A sense of deep joy and satisfaction are equally important to the impact you want to make to our collective world.
I know what it’s like to outgrow who you were, and to accept the call to step into something else
Back in 2022, I left a dream job to follow the calls of my soul to combine the power of creativity, wellbeing and research with the joy and dialogical nature of art.
It seemed like a wild move. I was leading impactful, international research. I was internationally recognised in my field and remunerated accordingly. I worked with some of the smartest, kindest people around, with managers who championed my work. Over the years, I had led major national and international collaborations across multiple sectors and my work shaped policy, product strategy and community-led change.
But the whispers to change course began to speak louder and louder, nudging me to accept who I was evolving to be. And while I have made art for my whole life, for the first time, my art practice wanted a front seat.
This is the power of art: art-making is presence. It can help uncover and connect to our inner voice, which is the ultimate compass. And in a hyper-productive corporate culture, it’s a radical act to honour one’s voice within.
So I submitted to the unknown path. I leveraged my 20+ years in research, leadership and health to create a creative leadership coaching offering that transforms people’s lives. And I committed to my painting practice in a new and public way, relishing in the joy of exhibiting my art and seeing it find new homes with customers.
Today, wellbeing, coaching and art are intertwining parts of my creative practice. I am nurturing a different path to what’s offered by mainstream cultures and institutions. And I continue to release the external factors that drive us to bring our visions to life too rapidly - because slow is sacred.
My painting practice brings delight into my days, transporting viewers to new, magical worlds that exist right in front us.
My coaching and facilitation helps us to reimagine what is possible and reframe what we accept in our lives and work.
Do you want to be part of this journey with me? Get in touch.
A few of my credentials
Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business (Australasian Leadership Academy) - 2025
Associate Certified Coach (International Coaching Federation) - 2025
Creative Visionary Program (Art2Life, Nicholas Wilton) - 2022
PhD, Public Health/Ethnography (Queensland University of Technology) - 2015
Associate Fellow of of Advance Higher Education (AFHEA) since 2015
Need my CV? Reach out here to request it.
Upcoming events
“Let colour speak” - duo art exhibition with Jennie Bell
1-12 October 2025
Robina Art Gallery, Gold Coast, Australia
SURFACE Fence Line Exhibition
29 June - 13 July 2025
Miami, Gold Coast, Australia
Sign up for invitations and first access to new works
Kind words from collectors
“I recently had the most incredible experience as a first-time art buyer, and I just had to share it and shine a spotlight on an extraordinary Australian talent! 👩🎨
I purchased Karen's stunning original painting, "Bay Area Grasslands" and the entire process was exceptional. Karen made sure my art arrived quickly and packaged with such incredible care and consideration. She even sent a personalised thank you video and card, which made the whole experience feel even more special. Absolutely top-notch customer experience! 📦 💯
And the art itself is STUNNING. The piece instantly resonated with me, especially the message behind it: "to honour the quiet resilience of native ecosystems, and the need to protect what sustains us." When I see it hanging on my wall, it will remind me to take a step back from the hustle and bustle and look to things that bring me nourishing peace. 🌾🌻
But wait - Karen isn't just an incredible artist! She's also a talented career coach, a public health researcher, and so much more. Her multidisciplinary approach truly enriches her work.
If you're looking to invest in meaningful art, support local Australian talent, or simply want to discover someone truly inspiring, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Karen's work.”
Hyun S., Sydney, Australia
“Karen's art resonates with me and it will speak to you too. Take time. Look closely. Step back. Look away. Look again. And then, as if by magic, you will find her art moves you too.”
Private collector, San Francisco Bay Area, California
“Your art is on our mantle in the living room, directly in front of the island in the kitchen. She brings so much joy and strength to our home. Thank you for this beautiful work.”
Leah T, Ventura, California
“I recently bought the original painting "Anticipation" from artist Karen McPhail-Bell. I'm overjoyed to have it. It's a deceptively simple theme, but the subtlety, emotion, and mystery in it are great. Two figures stand on a sidewalk outside a building, and looking in a large window to see its well-lighted interior. Is it a furniture store? Perhaps a restaurant they are considering.
The woman (the figure at left) seems to be the leader in this investigation, as she is more centered in the window. Even seen from the rear, her male partner seems tentative, keeping a bit of distance between himself and the window. All this from subtle body placement by the artist.
And what exactly is the pair anticipating? The artists leaves this largely to our imagination.
The painting is small but powerful. Artist Karen McPhail-Bell uses confident strokes and a simple colour palette to create an expressive scene, reminiscent to my eye of the strong, direct, simple-but-subtle work of Edward Hopper.
The painting is on a panel, nicely framed, with both a title/story label on the back, and a certificate of authenticity from the artist.
I'm ecstatic to have added this painting to my collection!”
Paul E, Royal Oaks, Michigan
“I am very lucky to own art from Karen McPhail-Bell. I have two pieces that I love very much.
One painting is a depiction of fall colors visualized in the form of a pumpkin. The second is "First Strength' (the Aboriginal girl painting). Both paintings mean a lot to me. I love the use to colors in both paintings because they are vibrant and bring color into my otherwise muted home.
There is something about art that always evokes a feeling. The "Pumpkin" piece gives me a sense of Autumn ease. I personally love the season, with its bright fall colors in the trees and plants.I look forward to the cool air that isn't too hot or two cold. It also reminds me of air travel as people prepare for the winter travel season to be with family. Whenever I look at this piece I feel a sense of lightness of the Autumn air and yet a sturdy grounding as if I am rooted like the stem of a pumpkin.
The second painting "First Strength" also gives me a sense of lightness. When children are young they exude a sense of glee and happiness that is carefree and strong. They have not been brought down by the cares of the world. They, in their own way, know exactly who they are. This painting gives me a feeling of strength and gratitude that we can all be that strong and carefree. She seems to be dancing with a smile on her face that I feel as freeing.”
Joyce H, Los Altos, California