Karel Doruyter was born in Rotterdam, Holland, and came to Canada in 1953 at an early age, growing up in the interior of British Columbia. His interest in art started at an early age and he had his first exhibition in 1959. He attended the University of BC from 1961 to 1968. During this time he had his own studio and also supported himself as a graphic artist.

For the next 20 years he worked in human resources, training and management both in Canada and Australia where he moved to in 1972. During this time he developed an interest in boat building and design as well as continued to work as an artist. He taught adult education classes in drawing and painting both in BC and Tasmania. After returning to Canada he settled on Hornby Island, BC, in 1980 where he designed, built and surveyed boats while continuing his artistic career. Exploring the BC coast and working with native artists influenced his painting in subject matter as well as style. Karel moved to Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) in 1989 to work with the elders. He remained there for the next six years.

At present Karel Doruyter lives in Victoria, painting, writing and illustrating. He is past-president of the Island Illustrators Society and a signature member and vice president of the Victoria Chapter Federation of Canadian Artists. His work is collected around the world.