Artist of the Month: Karen Cooper

Originally from California, Cooper discovered color and shadow at a young age, often turning in illustrated elementary school assignments. After high school, she studied art in Sweden as an exchange student, and returned to California to attend San Francisco State University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in textiles. After an Associate’s degree in architectural design, she embarked on a career as an architectural rendering artist. Using the skills associated with architectural renderings, Cooper developed her signature style of shadow and light play utilizing pastels. Cooper moved to New Mexico with her husband, Dwight, to become a full-time fine artist in 2002. With increasing success in her career, Karen was invited to exhibit at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville and the couple fell in love with the Texas Hill Country. They resettled in the area in 2012, completing her eastward migration from California. Cooper says that every time she moves east, she finds more “west” to paint. Cooper is known for her heightened pastel drawings that activate negative space and allow for the viewer to “complete” the image. Working from source photography of western scenes, Cooper modernizes traditional depictions of the west. Cooper will be featured in an article in the April/May issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine. Her work has been exhibited throughout the country and this year marks her 13th year exhibiting at the Museum of Western Art. A wine and cheese reception featuring the artist will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 5:30 pm