"If you paint what you love, people will love what you paint."
I believe that the inclusion of animals in our homes serves to enhance our humanity and allows us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. For my entire life, I have been surrounded by a menagerie: Cats, dogs, hedgehogs, rabbits, birds, mice and fish have all at one time or another inhabited my heart and my home. I have found that using my love of animals with my love of painting makes for a winning combination. With each animal I paint, I attempt to bring that animal's personality through the painting to the viewer. My greatest success is seeing a smile flash across someone's face when they look at my paintings. I live in Andover, MA with my husband, three sons, two Italian Greyhounds, a Cocker Spaniel, a variety of foster bunnies, and Stuart the Wondercat.
For years I had been a successful fiber artist, creating and teaching, knitting, spinning, felting, and quilting. Nothing quieted an insistent muse until I accepted a challenge by my oldest son and discovered painting.
I have studied with artists Jenny Weidman-Page, Alan Bull, Caleb Stone, Stephen LaPierre, Don Stone N.A., Alec Moseley, Daniel E. Greene N.A., David Curtis, Albert Handel N.A., and most extensively with my mentor and friend, Copley Master, Mark Hayden.
Why do I paint? Because I have to!
Karla's work can be seen by appointment in her Andover studio and at The Bridge Gallery, 1R Water Street, Newburyport, MA
Guild Memberships:
Andovers Artists Guild, Head Scholarship Committee
Greater Haverhill Arts Association
Arts Institute of the Merrimack Valley
Rockport Art Association
Portrait Society of America
Newburyport Arts Association
Awards:
'Naptime', Benefactor's Award, Rollstone Studio juried show 'Feline, Canine, All Mine'
'Bailey', 3rd place pastels, AAG Art in the Park 2009
'Aires', 1st place professional dry media, GHAA 2010
'Rooftop, Vieques', 2nd place professional dry media, GHAA 2010
'Rise and Shine', 2nd place pastels, AAG Art in the Park 2010
Events:
Essex Art Center New Paint Auction, 2006-10
MSPCA, Nevis Farm: Hair of the Dog, An Evening of Wine and Rover, and Walk for Animals
AAG Art in the Park
Whittier Birthplace Wet Paint AUction
GHAA Art in the Park
CSRNE Benefit Auction and Dinner
Cape Ann Animal Aide Dog Days
House Rabbit Network Annual Fundraiser
Philosophy:
"To whom much is given, much is expected". In this vein, I frequently donate custom pet portraits to animal charities such as MSPCA Nevins Farm, Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, the House Rabbit Network, and the Sight Hound Club of NY. Additionally, 10% of the price of my pet portraits is donated back to rescue organizations. Recently I have been donating limited edition, signed and numbered fine quality giclee prints to CSRNE, HRN, and the Vieques Humane Society.
For artwork pricing and availability, or to commission a portrait please contact the artist at:
Karla K Cook
101 Holt Road
Andover, MA 01810
978.475.0782
karla_cook@verizon.net
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