Karen is a self taught painter, who spent her college years at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, sampling just about every department available, with textile and fashion design eventually seizing most of her attention. Although based in the home economics department, that course of study required a fair amount of drawing classes from the art department, and the introduction to life drawing was made. Many years and many experiences later, the focus of Karen’s work is again with the figure, intrigued by the stories that can be told with paintings of people, their postures, and their relationships to each other. “I have been known to say that a painting that’s clever or pretty is not enough---it has to tell a story that holds my interest.” Karen’s current work is acrylic paint on canvas, with the occasional mural added in just for fun.
Karen Cooper
Spencer, Iowa
karencooperpaintings.com
Education:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, art and textile design emphasis
Various continuing education and workshops
Recognition:
2007: selected for Wanda Skogerboe exhibit, Lakes Art Center, Okoboji, Iowa
2006: selected for four person show, Deer Path Gallery, Lake Forest, Illinois
2005: selected for Maestros and Masterpieces exhibit, Quad City Art Center, Rock
Island, Illinois
2004: solo exhibit, Fairfield Art Guild, Fairfield, Iowa
Award of Merit, Boulder Art Fair, Boulder, Colorado
Award of Merit, Valley Junction Art Fair, West Des Moines, Iowa
2002 3rd in show, Missouri River Untamed, Bismarck Art and Galleries Association,
Bismarck, North Dakota
2000 Honorable Mention, Iowa Arts Festival, Iowa City, Iowa
Committee Choice Award, Snake Alley Art Fair, Burlington, Iowa
