Cloud Study, Smith Mountain Lake

6 x 12 Oil on Archival Board

We here in Virginia have been having lots of pop up storms mixed with bright sun lately.  The weather changes too fast for me to grab my little easel and set it up to record what's going on, so I decided to set up my go-to palette in advance and keep the easel by the window.  I'm glad I did.  The clouds the other day were awesome, and I got this little study down quickly.  I was thinking I would work on it after the initial try, but I'm leaving it alone.  I really think it portrays that moment in time.

Patrick on Second Friday

8 x 10 Oil on Archival Board

This little painting is my "Ode to Patrick".  Simple as that :-) 

Green Canoe on Smith Mountain Lake

9 x 12 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Smith Mountain Lake is so diverse due to its huge size.  We live on the Gills Creek portion of the lake which doesn't have the distant mountains.  Actually it does, but one has to stand on the roof of the house to see it :-)  This is the Blackwater part which has a totally different feel.  I love the ins and outs of the land.  The lake has 500 miles of shoreline, so there's plenty of places to paint without repeating too often.  The trick here is to sketch your painting in quickly, because the colors and shadows change if you look away for a minute.  If interested in purchasing, please email me at shelleykoop@gmail.com. 

Have a great weekend!

Attracted by a Man in Uniform

SOLD

12 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

A woman studying "Achille De Gas in the Uniform of a Cadet" by Edgar Degas at the National Gallery.  I'm usually not drawn in by this type of portrait, but the woman was so intense in her attention to it that I walked over to really look at it.  Because the pose is so casual in this piece, it gives a feeling that the viewer might know the subject...a young naval cadet, (actually Degas' brother).  After having completed so many, when I go back to painting these art patron pieces, (after landscapes, etc.,) it feels like I'm back in my Zen place :-)

Mother's Day Flowers

  

FLOWERS FOR YOUR MOTHER'S DAY...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!

Quiet Paddling on Smith Mountain Lake

SOLD

 

12 x 12 Oil on Archival Board

There are so many ways to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake, and this is one of my favorites. Painting the reflection of the kayak and the multitude of colors and shades was the best part.  Mixing, Mixing, Mixing....My new-found joy! 

Whitecaps on Smith Mountain Lake

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

A windy day plein air from my studio window.  There was only one sailboat at the time, so I took the liberty of adding two more.  Wouldn't it be great if life was like that? ... If something doesn't appeal to you, just conjure up what does.  

Fenced In

6 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

This lucky horse has beautiful scenery and endless fields of grass to keep him occupied.  Pretty soon, I think he and his mate will be moving to new pastures.  It's always good to mix things up every now and then. 

Bent Tree at Smith Mountain Lake

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

This is one of my favorite views when I'm doing my morning walk.  When we first moved here to the Lake, this tree was tall and straight.  Over the years it has become a little bent and has lost some of its branches...sort of like me, I suppose.  Thankfully, I still have my branches :-)

Quiet Smith Mountain Lake (Plein Air - Commission)

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

The weather has been so perfect this week, and here is another plein air piece (number 2 of the four commissions).  The light and the reflections of the sky on the water were pretty exceptional when I painted this.  It changed quickly, so I was glad I could get it down.

Spring Greens on Smith Mountain Lake (plein air)

 

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

It's always good to move away from something you are doing (as in my series of museum patrons) for a change of pace.  Not only is it freeing to move the paint around in a less controlled way, but it brings that much more enjoyment when I move back to the series.  Looking out at the landscape before me, I had a wonderful time mixing those greens.  The weather was perfect and it was a great way to spend the day.  I will be doing three more commissions based on the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding mountains.  Let's hope there is no more snow!

Lighthouse Attire

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Continuing on with my art patron series...A man studying Edward Hopper's "Lighthouse at Two Lights" (1929) at the MET.  I have always loved Hopper, and this piece is a favorite so it was a thrill to see it 'up close and personal".  Looking into the history of this painting, Hopper apparently painted it to "signify a pleasurable reprieve from his life in New York."  The day we were at the MET was an extremely hot NY day, and you certainly could feel the salt air of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This man was in perfect gear...flip flops and all. 

Chair Share

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

It's tough to be so big and be intimidated by a little Frenchie...Apparently this was the only way Clarisse could "share" the chair.  I painted this a little looser than usual, but I think the subject matter dictated what to do.  I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to do these commissions and I appreciate each and every one of them!

Cottage by the Water

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Can you feel the breezes off the water?  After what felt like a long winter, I'm ready for the ocean and the lake; the smell of wet sand, salt water, fresh water...whatever brings you to that place in your mind.  I wanted this little painting to feel like you were passing by and peeking in to get a look at the house half hidden behind the landscape.  A drive by, or walk by, or bike ride by.

Funny Bunny

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board



 

SOLD

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter!  May you hunt and find lots of eggs to add to your baskets.

Lynda and Ally,Taking Five

6 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

This is what a Standard Dachshund and a Chiweenie (half Dachshund, half Chihuahua) do when they need time to chill.  It's a tough life!  Lucky little rescues. Who could resist those faces.  Thank you, Lynda Duke, for the opportunity to paint them :-)

Segway Sunday

6 x 12 Oil on Archival Board

Here's a quick moment in time on a Sunday in Washington, DC.  A group of Segway riders passing by; some holding on for dear life.  It was obviously a tour and you could tell by their body language that a lot of them were new to the experience. A great way to see the sites, though.

At a Crossroad

12 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

I painted this woman before in pastel and have always loved the scene and particularly this woman.  I decided to paint it again in oils and thought it especially appropriate in this political climate.  The woman is a housekeeper at one of the inns or guest cottages on Monhegan.  There were a number of summer helpers from other countries working on the island.  Her clothes and her demeanor drew me right to her.  At the time I thought "what a great way to earn some money and see new and faraway places."  If things pan out as some of the "politicians" are suggesting, I suppose it will put an end to this lovely woman's job.  Progress??  I don't think so!

A Big Thank You!

A big thank you to all who came out to Goose Creek Studio last night for my show, and a special thank you to Patrick, Mitchell, and Lydia for making it all happen!  Lots of people, lots of art in a wonderful setting...It just doesn't get better than that!  The show stays up for a month, so wander by and take a look if you are in the area.

A Day at the Museum Show

COME ONE, COME ALL!!  A show of 19 of my museum paintings will open on March 11th at Goose Creek Studio in Bedford, VA.  Stop by and say hello if you are in the area.  I will be there from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and the paintings will be there for a month.  I had such a wonderful time painting these....as I keep saying :-)  For me, there is something special about the art itself and the patrons who visit.  There is something that draws each of us to a particular painting.  One person might just walk on by, while another will stop...drawn by who knows what...and get sucked in.  It's that "who knows what" that fascinates me.  So, these paintings and patrons are what I found myself drawn to. 

Thank you Patrick and Mitchell at Goose Creek Studio for the opportunity to show these paintings together.  I truly appreciate it! 

Maycie

SOLD

 

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

What a gorgeous King Charles Spaniel she is and what fun to paint.  I'm loving the process of painting these!!  If interested in your pet's portrait, just email me at shelleykoop@gmail.com. 

Maycie and Parker

SOLD

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Two beautiful King Charles Spaniels ready to get groomed by the most wonderful Lesleigh Cook at Golden Meadows.  I love to drop Tallulah off to get groomed or boarded because I get to see her incredibly obedient Goldens...and Gonzo (a Doodle) who only has eyes for her :-).  It is hard not to leave there without inspiration and, of course, the hope that one day Lula will be as obedient as her dogs.  I'm particularly honored that Maycie and Parker's family purchased this little painting.

Lobbyists

8 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

This is the last painting for my upcoming show depicting people and paintings at the National Gallery in DC.  The exhibit will be at the fabulous Goose Creek Studio, and will open on March 11th.  The reception is from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  There will be approximately 18 paintings in this series; some I've posted, some I haven't yet.  If you are in the area (Bedford, VA), please stop by and say hello.  More on the particulars when it's a little closer :-)

Time Marches On

11 x 14 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

On my travels recently, I passed this forgotten farmhouse.  I always wonder when I pass structures like this, who lived there, what happened to them, and why the house was just left to deteriorate.  It sagged a little, but I could almost see it the way it might have been a few decades ago.  It certainly looked worthy of saving to me, although a house inspector might have other thoughts...

Maxie

SOLD

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Here's Maxie, one of four Valentine's Day commissions I was asked to do.  It certainly was fun to switch gears from my museum series and paint such a cute dog with an outstanding face :-) 

I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. We got snow here in VA as one of our gifts.  Today, we have sleet....Who knows what tomorrow will bring. 

The Thinker

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

A young man at the National Gallery getting information about one of the painting that interested him.  In the distance is Andrew Wyeth's "Looking Out, Looking In."  His position really reminded me of Rodin's sculpture, "The Thinker."  Thus, the title. 

I'm ready for this exhibit now.  I've got my 16 paintings and thought I'd be tired of painting them, but have found that I want to do more.  They are extremely fun for me and very Zen-like.  I forget everything else and plunge ahead, enjoying every stroke.

Under the Watchful Eye of Napoleon

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

Here's Number 16 in my on-going series of art patrons at the National Gallery.  Two women sitting with their backs to Napoleon (something he probably would not appreciate).  His stare didn't seem to bother them. The painting is Jacques-Louis David's "The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries," painted in 1812.  It was a good place to sit and relax before moving on to another room of incredible art.  I never seem to get tired of painting these little vignettes, and the more I do, the more I learn. Can't beat that :-)

"Both Members of This Club"

6 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

"Both Members of This Club" is a wonderful painting by George Bellows (1909).  One of my very favorites at the National Gallery.  The title refers to the practice of granting "membership" to boxers but only for the duration of the bouts.  They were considered unacceptable to join on a permanent basis.  Bellows showed his disdain for the elitist crowd by depicting them as grotesque.  When you get up close and personal with the painting, you can see the hatred and the "group mentality."  It sort of reminded me of the election process we are going through now.... This is Number 15 out of the 16 I am doing for my upcoming show at the wonderful Goose Creek Studio in March.

Museum Lecture

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Sunday seems to be the best day to go to the museum.  There are so many events happening... Or perhaps we just hit it right.  We were able to listen to an informative discussion about Paul Gauguin's life and his self-portrait.  This painting is my take on that part of our day.  I learned so much from not only this discussion, but also the fascinating information you can get from researching paintings you find interesting. Looking at a painting and admiring it is one thing, but understanding why the artist painted it and his or her motivations gives it another dimension.  More to come.....

Lucretia

SOLD

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

It was hard to walk past this piece by Rembrandt. (NGA)  It depicts Lucretia right before her act of suicide.  That amazing face, (hard to see here), the knife in her hand, and the tilted head with that resigned expression...WOW!  This piece was painted in 1664.  One more in my series.

Dreaming

SOLD

 

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Even though I'm closing in on finishing the paintings I need for the show in March, I'm going to continue to paint these museum pieces.  This has been such a great experience.  I have four more to do, and about 50 I still plan to do :-)

The painting here is Jean-Joseph Benjamin Constant's "Favorite of the Emir" painted in 1879 (at the NGA).  The woman I saw looking so intently at the painting could almost be placed on that chaise in the harem, listening to the male servant play his tanbur and luxuriating in the mystery of it all.  I wonder what she was thinking....

A new favorite!

Scrappy

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

Meet Scrappy, a commission I did recently.  What a face, right?!  I completed a lot of commissions for the holidays, but I must say that Scrappy was one of my favorites.  These commissions are very Zen-like for me.  They just seem to flow, and I love doing them.  There is no anxiety about what is going on in the world...Just me and my subject, appearing miraculously stroke by stroke.  Nothing better than that :-) 

It's All in the Details

SOLD

 

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

Number 10 in my series of paintings of people at museums.  Only 6 more to go to be ready for my show in March.  I love doing these so much and will probably continue, but it's nice to know that I will be ready when I need to be.  This is one of my favorites so far.  The really nice thing about the National Gallery is that the viewer can get up close and personal with the paintings.  It's not that way at all museums.  This room was one of my favorites.  It contained the Dutch masters, and the painting of interest here is "The Prayer Before the Meal" by Jan Steen.  The darks and lights...WOW!

 More to come, interspersed with a few commissioned animal portraits that I can now post :-)

Ready for the Track

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Continuing with my people at museums series...I really loved this woman studying "For the Track" by John Frederick Peto at the National Gallery of Art.  Although painted between 1854 and 1907, this painting has a really modern collage appearance, combining lots of track images; such as a crop, a horseshoe, ripped betting tickets, etc.  The woman dressed in what looked like riding boots just seemed ready take to the track.  Those boots and the tilt of her head won me over :-)

Love the One You're With

SOLD

One of the fun commissions I was honored to do, and I'm now able to post it :-)  I felt it was appropriate for New Year's Eve.  We should all hug the ones dear to us and wish for a peaceful and kind 2016. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! 

Theodore the Christmas Rabbit

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

This is my last post before Christmas, but before I sign off for the Holiday I want to thank you all for making this such a great art year.  I really appreciate your interest in my work and all the commissions you have entrusted me to do, as well as the positive feedback you have shared with me throughout the year.  You have all enriched my life.  Merry Christmas to you and your families.  See you soon.

Brooklyn in the Sun

NFS

 

6 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Meet Brooklyn, one of the sweetest dogs owned by Lesleigh Cook.  Brooklyn's painting is a thank you for all she does for us (Tallulah in particular).  I keep saying this because it's so true, but without Lesleigh's training and patience with us, we might not have kept our most wonderful dog.  However, I must add that Lesleigh MUST stop laughing at me when I get out of the back seat of the car with Lula.  I have to sit next to her to keep her from barking at all the cars that go by...Perhaps another training class...probably for me :-)

Stuart

8 x 10 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

I have been feverishly finishing up all the commissions I have been asked to do, and have enjoyed them more than I can even say.  I'm still working on a couple more and will have them ready to go for Christmas giving.  I don't post them all at the request of the customers.  This is Stuart, a beautiful yellow Lab.  This one was an honor to do because Stuart died suddenly not long ago and a friend of Stuart's owner asked me to paint his portrait.  I shipped it off a few days ago.  The colors here are not exactly accurate; a little faded out for some reason.  I hope the painting brings Stuart's family some comfort at such a hard time. 

Sunday at the Museum

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Another in my museum and patron series.  A young girl studying the Dutch Masters at the National Gallery.  She was really caught up in Frans Hals "Willem Coymans".  Perhaps it was the hat and lace….

Reverence

8 x 10 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

A scene from my recent visit to The National Gallery of Art in DC.  The Sir Peter Paul Rubens painting "Daniel in the Lions' Den" depicts the Old Testament profit Daniel giving thanks to God for being miraculously saved from the lions.  It is said that Rubens described the painting as "Daniel among the lions, taken from life.  Original, entirely by my hand."  The North American lions Rubens used as his models were kept in the Royal menagerie at Brussels.

This is my third painting in my museum series. The original painting is quite large and is awe-inspiring.  I kept being drawn back to it.  Painting it was certainly a challenge.  I found it the most difficult thing I've attempted, but learned so much in the process. Rubens and I became good friends :-) 

Potter Extraordinaire

6 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

During a recent show of his pottery display, "78 Tea Bowls", Andre Namenek took a break and sat back to take in all the activity.  I've been drinking out of my two purchased bowls and love the texture and warmth when I hold them.  I had to wait in line to purchase them...That's how crowded and busy it was.  A successful show and a happy potter.  I really enjoy talking to Andre and loved painting him. I was so pleased that this painting was sold at our Old Jail Hill Art Space show.

Sketching at the Salon

8 x 10 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

I was so lucky to go to the National Gallery of Art on a Sunday when the Drawing Salon was in progress.  The John Singer Sargent room was full of artists young and old intent on sketching Sargent's masterpieces.  I would have joined in, but was on a mission to see as much of the incredible art as I could.  Next time, I plan on joining in.  What a treat!!  This is my second in what I hope is a never ending series of paintings of museums and art patrons.

Enthralled

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

This is the first in my series of paintings based on my recent visit to the National Gallery in Washington DC.  What an awe-inspiring visit!  To be in a room face to face with an original masterpiece is so wonderfully inspiring, and humbling :-)  This young woman was enthralled with Amedeo Modigliani's 'Nude on a Blue Cushion.'  I was, too....

'MMM MMM Good!"

6 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

A patron checking out Warhol's soup cans at the MOMA!  This painting and lots of other new ones will be at the Old Jail Hill Art Space Exhibit at Goose Creek Studio in Bedford, VA.  The show begins November 13th and runs through the month.  If you are in the area, stop by and say hello :-)  

Happy Halloween!!

SOLD

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!  Hope you all have a safe, scary, candy-filled one.

The Gang

6 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

 

SOLD

Lots of beautiful Goldens and Labs scrunching in to be in the picture :-)  I'd like to ask "Which One Doesn't Belong?", but they ALL belong....

With a Little Help From My Friend

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

To Purchase Click Here or Email me at shelleykoop@gmail.com

 



These people owns a beautiful inn in Maine that we stayed at.  I caught them here pruning their gorgeous flowers and shrubs.  I loved the composition and gave it a go.  The shadows and sunlight was what I was after.

Graham - A Commission

SOLD

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

I'm so glad I am able to post this painting now that Graham's painting is in its permanent home.  Thank you, Lesleigh, for the opportunity to paint this gorgeous dog.  I hope this brings his owners much joy now and in the future.

Late Day Shadows

6 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

These buildings are in the process of being renovated unfortunately...or fortunately.  I love the quirkiness or them and that tilted telephone pole.  Everything is uneven, the boards different colors, and that great bright roof.   

Hanging Out With Sargent at the MET

8 x 10 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD



A patron studying John Singer Sargent's "Eugenia Errazuriz" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.  The subject was a Chilean patron of modernism and a style leader of Paris, according to information I read about her.  Sargent painted her a number of times.