Karen Cooper Studio

01/16/2026

Okay, the PhonesDownBrushesUp 15 min. challenge is complete, and I won!
Okay, yeah, oops, there was never a promise for prizes.
But!
Most of us know I am not a phone person, so the concept behind the challenge didn't really fit me.... I signed up anyway.
Because I like a good challenge :)
I WON by realizing the start of a new project, and at present you have to find me on Instagram to see it/them. Like here:
instagram.com/karencooperstudio
A friend told me the other day that I should really click that switch that makes IG posts show up on FB? Turns out I don't love FB as much as I love a good challenge, so let me repeat that Instagram addie for you:
instagram.com/karencooperstudio
Большое спасибо for reading!





PS1 - And yes, I used the challenge photos today - if I'd had tried to paint out in the alley again, I am fairly confident it would have blown the paint off my palette.
PS2 - why the big brush in the still life photo? That was the challenge, paint something little with a big ole brush. In 15 minutes.

01/15/2026

Day 3, 15 minute challenge, Phones Down, Brushes Up.
Despite being 33 degrees F. when I started, I once again went after my own info source for the challenge.
This is an alley view near me, where I spent the first 15 minutes painting the challenge, then another 1.5 hrs. doing a 10x10 inch plein air painting.
Yep, the fingers got cold, but I am liking the rest of the process!

01/13/2026

Day 2, Phones Down, Brushes Up challenge. Big shapes. There you are!

01/12/2026

Phones down, brushes up challenge, day 1. Yeah, yeah, did NOT include setup time as part of the 15 minutes. But the studio is currently a mess, so it seemed easier to take the plein air gear out to my alley :)

05/23/2025

Good morning! Yes, of course I am painting! But I am ceasing with the FB studio page. Your painting observation opportunities are now at the following:
my website, https://www.karencooperpaintings.com/works
or my instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/karencooperstudio

Can't part this space without a visual though, right?!

02/07/2025

Packing up some paintings to take to Beckman Gallery & Gifts for tonight's "The Sweet Stroll". Stop by and say hi!

01/29/2025

Karen was born and raised in Nebraska, and then moved across the river to live in Iowa. From 2013 thru 2018, Karen lived in Lipetsk, Russia - long enough for the power and beauty of Russian impressionist art to make a potent impact. Study with a talented figurative artist while in Lipetsk, increased the desire/need to draw with substance and clarity, as part of the painting process.
Karen has now returned to live, and paint in Grinnell, Iowa.
Medium of choice continues to be oil, applied with thick loose brush work.
karencooperpaintings.com

01/19/2025

🎨 Experience a curated boutique art expo like no other!

✨ Over 40 invitation-only fine artists.
🍾 Exclusive Champagne & Wine Preview Night (Feb 21).
🖼️ Unique paintings, sculptures, and more available for direct purchase.

📅 Event Dates:
•Friday, Feb 21: First Look Preview
•Saturday, Feb 22 & Sunday, Feb 23: Main Expo

📍 Location:
Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium @ Plumbers Hall, West Loop

Start your 2025 art collection with us!
🎟️ Get your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-inaugural-west-loop-contemporary-fine-art-expo-february-21-22-23-tickets-1096400526489?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/18/2025

I DO get to go south this winter!
March 8-15.
https://www.cityofnewiberia.com/pleinair

11/20/2024

10/23/2024

I knew at the time, I had borderline too much fun painting this one!
Pumphouse Patio, Longmont.
8x10 oil on panel.
AND one of the top 100 Plein Air Salon entries, September 2024.
Category - plein air oil painting.
Pretty exciting, huh?

10/08/2024

Watching The Game With A Guinness.
12x12 oil on panel interior on location.
Painted for Bluff Strokes Plein Air!

https://www.karencooperpaintings.com/workszoom/5818646/watching-the-game-with-a-guiness #/