Karen McCool | fine art
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People, Places & Things

The subjects in my paintings explore passions and connections, especially as they relate to nostalgia. When you see a familiar building, or landscape, you feel an immediate connection with that place. Maybe you love vintage photographs of people from another era? Maybe you have a special vacation photo you’d like to commemorate with an oil painting? As a contemporary realist painter, I make art that celebrates the people, places and things you’re passionate about. What’s your obsession?

West Chester Public Library

$600.00

24x12 Oil on panel. Black frame. West Chester Public Library


*** AWARD WINNER ***


I entered this painting in my first juried show. The theme was the architecture of West Chester. The show was held by the West Chester Public Arts Commission. Winners have their art displayed on lamp post banners within the center of town. I'm happy to say, an image of this painting is currently (summer 2020) hanging on a banner on East Gay Street. :-)

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Hotel Warner

$600.00

24x12 Oil on panel. Black frame. Hotel Warner, West Chester PA.


Long before it was a hotel, this building was the home of the Warner Theatre, which opened in 1930. When I was a kid, I saw the first Muppets movie there.


(In the photo gallery for this painting, you'll find an image of the original interior of the movie theatre - image by decopix.com The original art deco style of the building brought a touch of modernity to West Chester).

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F & M Building, West Chester PA

$600.00

24x12 Oil on panel. Black frame. Farmers & Mechanics Bldg, West Chester PA.


Why yes, I did paint a Star Wars Rebel Alliance insignia in one of the windows. I mean, who doesn't think all beings in the galaxy should be forever free?



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Mom, 1962

$0.00

Sold out

8x8 Oil on panel


This painting has been SOLD, but if you are interested in commissioning a custom oil painting, please go to my contact page: https://www.karenmccool.com/contact.html

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Italy Vacation

$0.00

Sold out

8x8 Oil on panel


This painting has been SOLD, but if you are interested in commissioning a custom oil painting, please go to my contact page: https://www.karenmccool.com/contact.html

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Mom and Dad

$0.00

Sold out

9x12 Oil on panel


This painting has been SOLD, but if you are interested in commissioning a custom oil painting, please go to my contact page: https://www.karenmccool.com/contact.html

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Buddha

$195.00

6x6 Gouache on panel, Varnished with cold wax medium. Black floater frame.


From my original Instagram post:


6x6 Gouache on Ampersand Aquabord varnished with cold wax medium.


If you're not familiar with gouache, it's similar to watercolor, except that watercolor is very transparent, while gouache paint is opaque. It's more forgiving than watercolor, as it allows you to paint light colors over dark, which is practically impossible with watercolor. It dries very matt, which allows it to be scanned or photographed without worrying about the glare you would get from an oil painting. This is why it was used, years ago, by illustrators and graphic designers, so artwork could quickly and easily be scanned for use in magazines.


Cool tip for gouache or watercolor artists, you can use cold wax medium as a varnish when painting on hardboard. (Your mileage may vary if you're using paper. I'm not sure if the cold wax would crack, once it cures?).


To my eye, the colors may have darkened a tad. Or maybe they just got more saturated? Hard to say. But i do know, that i love not needing to frame the painting behind glass.


Also, I'm loving these floater frames by Christopher Company, LTD. (They look as great standing on a mantel as they do hanging on a wall). @christopherltd


I'm finally getting around to framing paintings for the upcoming #ChesterCountyStudioTour in September. (More news on that, coming soon).


#art #coldwaxmedium #gouache #Buddha #BuddhaPainting #ChesterCountyArtist


Link To Original Instagram Post


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West Chester Courthouse

$0.00

Sold out

8x8 Oil on panel, black floater frame. Water-mixable oil paint.


This painting has been SOLD, but if you are interested in commissioning a painting like this, please go to my contact page: https://www.karenmccool.com/contact.html

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Four Dogs Tavern

$0.00

Sold out

8x8 Oil on panel, black floater frame. Water-mixable oil paint.


*** AWARD WINNER *** Chester County Art Association, honorable mention


This painting has been SOLD, but if you are interested in commissioning a painting like this, please go to my contact page: https://www.karenmccool.com/contact.html

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Above the Shoreline

$280.00

8x8 Oil and cold wax medium on cradled panel. Ocean Abstract. Maple floater frame.

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Abiah Taylor Farm

$195.00

6x6 Oil and cold wax medium on panel. Abstract Abiah Taylor Farm. Black Frame.

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Blue and Gold Tide

$195.00

6x6 Oil and cold wax medium on panel. Abstract. Black Frame.

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All images and content © 2020 Karen McCool. No reproducing any images without written consent.  All rights reserved.
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