Lake Fun

"Lake Fun" - SOLD

6 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

I see more and more kayakers here on our part of the lake, and this particular day was perfect. Not too hot, and not too many boats and jet skis.

Study of Woman's Face

Study of Woman's Face

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board 

Long story on this one...I saw this wonderful woman at an art show and knew I had to try to paint her. Try was the key word here. I thought it would be a relatively simple process...NOT! I wiped her off a number of times, only to try again. The last time I wiped her off, her ghost image showed through and I loved it!! I varnished it, and here she is!

Beach Cabin Sketch

6 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

Growing up, we used to rent a summer beach cabin at a place called "The Blue Horizon" on Cape Cod. There were five cousins and lots of fun. I've tried to find photos of our trips, but think I only have the old "movies" which I can't play anymore. We would spend our days jumping off the porch railing into the sand, and collecting snail shells :-) Here is my memory of the place. I remember it being hot and hazy, with a screen door which slammed as we went in and out. I still can remember the wonderful beach smell....

Rural Barn Drive By

6 x 9 Oil on Archival Board

One of the things I love about Southwest Virginia is the abundance of old barns around every corner, everywhere you look. I'd like to paint them all. It might turn into a series, who knows :-)

Mouthful of Watermelon

12 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Here's Avery...Nothing is better than a mouthful of watermelon at Grandma's house.

Figure Work

12 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

I've been working on figure studies lately. It's all a learning experience, but then again, isn't everything?! Since I took this photo of the painting, I changed the background. I will post the new one and you can let me know which you prefer and maybe tell me why....Another learning experience :-)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! ... and thank you all for keeping tabs on my artwork through this blog and for your wonderful comments!

Salon View, National Gallery

12 x 12 Oil on Archival Board

Trying my best to have the viewer feel as though they are in the room with the magnificent artwork... Walking on those old wooden floors, hearing the muffled voices that echo slightly. My idea of heaven!

Dusk at the Morris Farm

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board 

SOLD

New painting headed over to Goose Creek Studio in Bedford, VA. I've been busily working on a project for a show, and this painting was a nice break in that routine. Thank you, Midge! Your farm is always an inspiration.

PAT'S SUNSET

6 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

What is it about sunsets?? This one was so glorious, yet so hard for me to capture in paint. Well, I did my best to show the glow and variations of color, but it is nowhere near as spectacular as the real thing. I must say, though, in my own defense that the color here isn't as vibrant as the original painting. Still, though....That's not as vibrant as the real thing.

A VALENTINE'S DAY FACE

"A Valentine's Day Face"

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

This was another Christmas commission, but this adorable dog's face definitely says he takes Valentine's Day seriously!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, EVERYONE!

"I'm Listening!"

Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

I don't think this dog misses anything that is said...Ever!! So very cute and a fun commission.

Another 2017 Christmas Commission

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Another adorable face to paint. I loved the tilt of his head and those jowls....

Cozy Meditation Corner

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

Up until a few days ago we were experiencing extremely cold weather. This chair right by the fireplace is perfect for reading or meditating (my new found pleasure). Painting interior scenes is new for me. It's something I'd like to do more of.

Full Moon

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

A quick painting I worked on in between the Christmas commissions, just to warm up and use what was left on my palette. I thought of wiping it off, but it still sits on my shelf waiting for attention. I thought I'd post it before I post more of the animals. Happy Thursday!

One Happy Face

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Another Christmas commission I had the honor of painting. What a happy, eager, lovable face! It's the ear that got me :-)

Great Dane - Commission

6 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Well, Happy 2018 Everyone! Here's an adorable face of a beautiful Great Dane to start the year off. One blue eye, one green. So much personality in this mug shot. One of the Christmas commissions I was so lucky to paint.

Tree Trunk in Snow

SOLD

Wishing you all Peace, Kindness, and Joy this Holiday Season, and Happy New Year! I'm so thankful for all the views and comments on this blog, via email, as well as on Facebook over the years. How great to be part of this big worldwide community of artists and artisans. I am totally humbled by you all! SEE YOU IN 2018!!

"Sacred Bodies"

Goose Creek Studio and Custom Framing in Bedford, VA, is the place to be on Friday, November 10th from 5 to 8 PM. A new show is opening entitled "SACRED BODIES." I will have six new pieces art on display for this thought provoking exhibit. Come see my new work as well as the other fabulous artists I'm so fortunate to be showing with.

Punk Egret

"Punk Egret"

12 x 6 Oil on Archival Board 

A totally cool hairdo for this egret who is possibly going to a trendy club this weekend   Hope you have a great weekend, too!!

JASPER

"JASPER"

Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

A friend posted a photo of her adorable dog a while ago, and it definitely looked like a painting to me. She was kind enough to let me play with it, so here are the results. It was a perfect warm up before tackling the commissions I'm doing.




As always, thank you for looking at my blog.

Christmas 2017 Commissions

It's hard to believe, but Christmas, 2017, will be here before you know it. I've completed two Christmas commissions already and have one waiting, so now is the time to order. I will take orders until the week after Thanksgiving. Because the paintings are in oil, it takes time for them to dry and be ready. If interested, just email me at shelleykoop@gmail.com or FB message me.

The Morris Farm

"Morris Farm"

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

An experiment using the two color palette on a landscape this time. I actually like it    I really couldn't go too far wrong because this property I painted is so beautiful. Now, believe it or not, I'm working on a 36" x 36" piece of work. I'm half way done and still enjoying painting, so that's a good thing. I'll post it when it's done.

Sunflowers and a Bee

"Sunflowers and a Bee"

7 x 5 Oil on Archival Board 

One lone bee has these sunflowers all to herself. From Johnson's Farm in Bedford, VA. A beautiful day with beautiful scenery.

If interested in purchasing, please email me at shelleykoop@gmail.com, and thank you as always for your interest in my work :-)  

Man Contemplating

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

A new day, a new painting. This one just seemed to flow off the brush. Only two tubes of paint used and I am thrilled with the outcome. Thank you, Don Fiddler, for allowing me to use your wonderful photo.. You are a photographer, extraordinaire!!

Young Girl "Remembering Trayvon"

12 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

From a wonderful exhibit at the Taubman Museum in Roanoke, VA; a young girl about the same age as Trayvon Martin here, studying the image. Alice Beasley created this fiber portrait which reminds the viewer of the "senseless killing of African American young lives." This piece and others are for an upcoming exhibit at Goose Creek Studio and Custom Framing in Bedford, VA entitled "Sacred Bodies". More info to follow.

12 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

NOT FOR SALE

Avery, really excited about a treat coming her way. A birthday gift for my wonderful daughter-in-law. Remember when a snack would be the best thing ever? Actually I still make that face when someone puts a petit four in front of me…:-)

TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN FLORIDA, PLEASE STAY SAFE! My thoughts are with all Floridians right now.

Hope

10 x 10 Oil on Archival Board  

An iconic image by Shepard Fairey is the focus of my newest addition to the museum pieces I have been doing. This one will be auctioned off at a fundraiser for Leslie Cockburn who is running for the US House of Representatives for Virginia's 5th District. The event will be held on September 22, 2017, at Goose Creek Studio and Custom Framing in Bedford, VA.  More info will follow.

Unleashed Passion and Joy

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board  

This is the first in a new series of museum paintings. One of my favorite paintings by Picasso, "Two Women Running on the Beach", and one of my favorite museum patrons from the MOMA, together in my imagination. The perception of sacred bodies in all forms...

Summer Scene

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board  

I needed to get back into painting after a short intermission. My Daughter-in-Law visited us for a while and it was wonderful! It felt good to take a break and focus on different things. This was a quick study just to get my brush working again. A little boy fighting the incoming lake waves with his small boat. He was persistent, I must say!!

Good Morning Rural America

8 x 10 Oil on Archival Board  

I have always loved seeing lit windows at dusk or early in the morning. I picture people settling in for the night or beginning their day. The cozy warmth of the security of being "home" and protected. For those of us who have that, we are lucky human beings. I ache for those who don't!

Moon Over Smith Mountain Lake

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

A beautiful night to sit and dream...

Art Show Couture

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

A hot, summer day at the Roanoke Sidewalk Art Show. This artist certainly dressed for the occasion and was kind enough to allow me to photograph her.

Bella - Commission

6 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Here's Bella!  So adorable in her pink and white bows.  A pleasure to paint!

Benefits Supervisor Resting

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Another painting for the show at Goose Creek Studio. Lucian Freud is one of my favorite artists, so this one I totally enjoyed working on. I plan on doing another, larger, painting depicting his work. Can't wait to start! Painting his nudes is like sculpting with pigment.

"WAR ZONE"

SOLD

Painted for the show "Narratives of Opposition" at Goose Creek Studio in Bedford, VA.  "Guernica" painted by Pablo Picasso in 1937, depicting the horrors of war and as a result it has become an anti-war symbol and a reminder of the tragedies of war.  A woman at the MOMA taking it all in. The painting is large and powerful.

MY INTERPRETATION OF BANKSY'S INTERPRETATION OF "THE GLEANERS"

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board  

One of my 10 pieces painted for "Art of the Resistance," a show coming up this weekend beginning with a poetry slam Friday night and art shows on Saturday and Sunday. If you are in the Bedford, VA area, please stop by and say hello.

Calm and Peaceful

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Mid week in summer here at the lake is usually quiet, calm, and peaceful. I always enjoy seeing the sailboats, kayaks and canoes go drifting by. Not many sounds, just an occasional muffled voice from across the lake somewhere or a bird singing. I hope this painting expresses that feeling of peace to you all. Happy Monday!

Directional Pull

6 x 12 Oil on Archival Board
  

SOLD

Early morning fisherman hoping for a catch. Nothing but the bird chirping and the every so slight waves lapping. Morning at it's best!

Easter Island in Manhattan

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

If you ever get to NYC, the lobby of the Grand Hyatt hotel is definitely a destination. We stayed there recently and I have to say, I really didn't want to leave. Just sitting there near "Awilda" and "Chloe", two huge sculptures created by Jaume Plensa, is quite wonderful. While researching these pieces, I came across Jaume Plensa's quote: "Awilda and Chloe" are metaphors for the diversity and similarity of all people…(they) pay homage to anonymous people in motion." I'm not sure whether this is Awilda or Chloe, and I certainly saw lots of anonymous people in motion!

Avery in Profile

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Inquisitive and oh so pretty in her pink dress…Avery!  

Picasso and the Women

12 x 9 Oil on Archival Board  

SOLD

A woman at MOMA studying "Les Demoiselles d' Avignon". It was originally titled "The Brothel of Avignon" according to research. Picasso painted this large piece in 1907, during his Cubism period, depicting 5 nude prostitutes from a brothel on Avinyo Street in Barcelona. The faces of the women were inspired by Iberian sculpture and African masks. This was an interesting painting to try to capture. I learned a lot about Cubism and the shapes and jagged lines involved.

Man at Work

10 x 8 Oil on Archival Board

This painting seemed to flow from my brush. It's very exciting to see something that you immediately feel will make a good painting. Those seem to be the ones that work. I'm really happy with this one! This man was such a good sport to allow me to paint him.

Gentle Giant

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board  

I met this dog when I was on my way to the post office. He stopped everyone in their tracks. What a beautiful Newfoundland he was, scarf and all. He deserved a portrait for sure.

"Matthew"

8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board  

I posted an oil sketch of Matthew (a man who was putting in our new tile) a while ago, and finally got around to doing his portrait. He has such an interesting face and was kind enough to allow me to paint him, beard and all. He told me his wife was making him shave it off….

Gonzo

9 x 6 Oil on Archival Board

SOLD

Meet Gonzo, a Golden Doodle, who has been trained impeccably by Lesleigh Cook.  Sometimes you  meet a dog, and they look at you and you fall in love instantly.  That's how I feel about Gonzo.  He has a look that is hard to describe.  I tried to capture it here.  Very serious, ready for action, yet playful as well.  He is a therapy dog and whatever family was fortunate enough to get him should feel very blessed.

Girl in an Easter Bonnet

 8 x 8 Oil on Archival Board 

SOLD

What a better way to say "Happy Easter" than to paint an adorable child in a very large hat?! When I paint a portrait, after sketching in the shape of the face I work on the eyes. If I can nail that part of the face, I feel like the painting has become alive. This is beautiful Ellery Ann. HAPPY EASTER/PASSOVER EVERYONE!