November 23, 2009

Race To The Cup ~ Coffee cup, that is..!


A little bit of surrealism, but this is how I feel in the morning.
Always attempting to make a cup of coffee as quickly as I can so I can really wake up.
Never have I been what you might call a morning person.
More likely to be a labelled a "Nightfly" ; )
"Race to the Cup" - acrylic on canvas - 18" x 18"
by Karen Sloan

November 22, 2009

This is a painting of a place that is just down the road from me where I live.
My family and I spend a lot of time here in the Summer!
It's at Hall's Lake, here in Haliburton County, and we like to go swimming here. Plus, it hooks up with a river, where we like to take our wee boat for a ride every now and again.
This image I've painted is just around the bend from the beach, and it's a little bit
more scenic as well.
On occasion, I've seen moose, bear, and plenty of deer, plus many birds,
including Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers.
It's a little bit of an impressionist representation, and I was happy with the end result.
"Impressions of Haliburton" - acrylic on canvas - 24"x 24" (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
Thanks for viewing : )

November 16, 2009

Azalea - A Floral Painting :: Just for a change!


Well, I haven't painted in a month, and I'm chafing at the bit because I've been so busy doing other things with my gardening and seed business, and a booth at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, so I figured posting a floral painting would be a nice change of pace from my usual abstract interiors.

This painting is of an Azalea and it sold at one of my first solo art shows that I ever had, way back in 2002.
Will be back soon with more interior paintings. I'm cleaning up my studio this week so I can actually have some room to paint!

"Azalea" - acrylic on canvas - 30" x 40" (SOLD)
Thanks for viewing!
.

October 28, 2009

Spotlight


Newest interior study. I like the lamp in this one, hence the name.
"Spotlight" - 16" x 20" - Acrylic on canvas
by Karen Sloan
Thanks for viewing!

October 26, 2009

Purse Fetish


Everyone has a fetish, (whether or not they'll admit to it, that's another story,
and quite frankly, that's none of my business), however I'll admit to having a purse fetish.
A fetish can be good inspiration if it's channeled properly!
This painting, with the daisy pattern matches some of my chair paintings.
The daisy seems to be a symbol of childhood to me.
I had a quilt when I was a little girl with daisies all over it and just loved it. (We're talking the '70s of course.!)
But, perhaps it's more to do with keeping in touch with my "inner child" than anything else..

"Purse Fetish" - Acrylic on canvas - 16" x 16"
by Karen Sloan
 
Thanks for viewing : )
.

October 25, 2009

Fun House - acrylic on canvas



This is what might be taking place in your home when you go out!
The furniture has a party ; )
Influences from Dr. Seuss, for the most part! Plus a pinch of my own imagination.

"Funhouse" - Acrylic on canvas - 18" x 24" (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan

Thanks for viewing.
.

October 19, 2009

Tea And Coffee :: Of the Cubist Kind : )




Not everyone is a coffee drinker, so it's nice to offer people a choice.
Coffee or Tea, whatever your preference!
Another cubist painting representing my Bialetti. I'm liking the spoons in this one..!
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Tea and Coffee" ~ 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas
by Karen Sloan
.

September 24, 2009

"Plenty Of Java..."

 "I've got plenty of java and chesterfield kings".....
Well, plenty of java, anyhow, as you can see from this painting.
That's a Bialetti. They make the best coffee.
My cousin gave me one a few years ago and I use it all the time.
Used it as a model for this painting as well,
along with the lyrics to Donald Fagen's album, the Nightfly.
My absolute favourite. Well that, and ANY Steely Dan album. : )
Posting this now because I've just found out that they are coming to Toronto in November.
I can't wait!
"Plenty Of Java" - acrylic on canvas 16" x 20" - (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan

September 18, 2009

Guitars & Orchids II


This painting is from my "Guitars and Orchids" series.
I started painting these when I was making the transition from floral paintings to the abstract room paintings that I do today, and when I really started to use music
as a tool with which to paint.
This one in particular is my favourite.
It was the image that I chose for my showcard invitation at my first big exhibit.
Found it in the archives of my computer and thought I'd share it here.
"Guitars and Orchids II" - acrylic on canvas - 14" x 18" - SOLD
by Karen Sloan
Thanks for viewing!
.

September 15, 2009

Musical Chair (s) : )

This is a chair I've just finished and it was painted for a charity here in
Haliburton Ontario called "Cottage Dreams".
~ I've called it "Musical Chair" for obvious reasons.
Had to paint it in my dining room since I couldn't fit it through my studio doorway!
(Many thanks to my very tolerant family! : )
The chair will be auctioned off on
October 1st, during a charity auction @ the Toronto Athletic Club, in Toronto, Canada.
Thanks for viewing!
.

September 14, 2009

Dance Floor - by Karen


"Dance Floor" - Abstract Jazz art - Karen Sloan
24" x 24" - acrylic on canvas
available
What can I possibly say about this one to explain this painting, other than to say it's influenced by some pretty funky jazz !!
Was listening to Roy Ayers at the time ... Little bit of everything in Roy's music!
Thanks for visiting : )
.

August 30, 2009

Jazz Is Peachy Keen


"Jazz Is Peachy Keen", but only if it's played well.
...And if that's the case, I'll paint with it!
This painting is somewhat of a tropical "loungy" image, if "loungy" an actual word!
Comes complete with a Cohiba or Montecristo cigar, (that's your preference),
along with a drink and a shot of lemon.
Acrylic on canvas - 16" x 20" - available by Karen : )
Thanks for viewing!
.

August 16, 2009

Recent Commission - Music Room

This painting is a recently completed commission that has just gone home with the
great people who ordered it.
I am so pleased that they like it, and hope they enjoy it for many years to come!
Knowing that they "get" what I do was the major motivation in making sure that this piece was exactly what they wanted.
...Thank you S & C ! (and also for reminding me to take a photo of it, as well!)
(Certainly, I imagine Steely Dan tunes are blasting out of that radio!)
Music Room - 36" x 48" acrylic on canvas (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
.

August 11, 2009

" Art Deco " inspired painting ... by Karen


As stated in my artist statement, near the end of this blog page,
my eclectic interior tastes include art deco. It may be my favourite,
or at least on par with mid-century modern, and the machine age of design.
This painting was inspired with the art deco "style" in mind,
and perhaps it truly came about due to watching a great BBC tv series,
(from an Agatha Christie classic) entitled "Poirot". The set decorations are just divine, and, I must say, David Suchet played the character to perfection!

"Art Deco" 18" x 24" - acrylic on canvas
by Karen Sloan

August 02, 2009

Club Chair with Watermelon "A Taste Of Summer"


Watermelon is one of my favourite fruits.
It just screams "Summer"... Don't you agree?!
As a kid, I remember sitting outside, (because watermelon can be messy when eaten),
and devouring everything right down to the rind...seeds included!
Thanks for viewing : )
"Club Chair With Watermelon" - acrylic on canvas 36" x 48"
available.
by Karen Sloan

July 29, 2009

Prodigy - by Karen Sloan

Another in the "children's book" series I've been painting.
Thinking it's a little more illustrative than some of my paintings, yet I feel, it still
retains the flavour of my jazzy furniture style.
This one is a personal favourite! It's available for sale.
Thanks for viewing : )
"Prodigy" - 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas
by Karen Sloan
.

July 28, 2009

Good Night : )

This is from a small series I've continued to paint over the years, because one day, it's one of my goals, to illustrate a children's book. That would be so much fun! My son was the inspiration for this particular piece.
(The other goal I have is to create the cover art for a Steely Dan album....that would be so outrageous!)
"Good Night" - Acrylic on canvas - 18" x 18" - Sold
by Karen Sloan
.

July 24, 2009

"After The Party" - by Karen Sloan


A jazzy piece, influenced by, yes, you guessed it...Steely Dan. Especially the Album, "Gaucho".
My favourite music anytime.
They're on tour in the U.S. right now...I'm so wishing that they'd come to Canada. : (
Maybe next year??! I hope!
"After The Party" - acrylic/canvas - 36" x 48" (SOLD)
Under the chair is a newspaper. I collaged that onto the painting.
It reads.."Arty Party, not Hoighty Toighty" I thought that was amusing.
Thanks for viewing.
.

July 22, 2009

Abstract Landscape portrait near my studio


As much as I love painting the "funky furniture/interior jazz" paintings, I have to say, that during this time of the year, when the weather is good, after all we do have very loooong winters here, getting out of the studio to paint on site is wonderful.... Just me and the mosquitos...
This picture is of a place I've canoed to a few times, near my home. Lot's of rock, trees, and nature... and the best thing is, no people. ; ) A little on the abstract side. Thinking of painting a series of these.
"Little Hawk Lake" - acrylic/canvas 18"x 22"
by Karen Sloan

July 09, 2009

Abstract Waterlilies

Summer is here and it has inspired me to once again look outside of the house
for some painting inspiration.
I guess you could sum these up as a cubist representation of waterlilies.
"Waterlilies"- 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas. - (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
.

June 29, 2009

Mid-Century Martini


June 26, 2009

Making Music

This painting is a commission that I've just completed.
Took a snapshot of it to share on my blog before it goes off to it's new home.
"Making Music" - acrylic/canvas - 14" x 18" - (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
.

June 24, 2009

"Room Service"

Playing with perspective is always fun. Straight lines are just so boring!
There's nothing better than exaggerating objects, which makes a still life not so still!
One can likely see that my work is influenced by several of my favourite artists; Picasso, Braque, Dali and Matisse, but absolutely I want to create my own spin on it all.
"Room Service" - 24" x 24" acrylic/canvas - available.
by Karen Sloan
.

June 22, 2009

Afternoon Delights

If you've read a few of my posts and are familiar with my paintings,
you've likely come to the conclusion that I paint things I like!
That includes, chocolate, coffee and anything sweet!
"Afternoon Delights" - acrylic/canvas 18" x 24" - SOLD
by Karen Sloan
.

June 21, 2009

"Chair Wth A View"

Another of my "Daisy Chair" series. The fact is I have a chair fetish. The placement is supposed to be welcoming, and this painting is somewhat of an ode to my Uncle's farm, which is now long gone, but was a place of peace and serenity for me.
People and places may be gone, but of course, we always have our memories.
"A Chair With A View" - 24"x36" acrylic/canvas (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
.

June 20, 2009

"Mexican Tiles" by Karen

This painting was inspired by my love for all things Spanish and Latin. That includes Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Puerto Rico of course, just to name a few.
The weird thing is that I've never actually even been to
any of those places yet, but their architecture is very inspiring, as is the music.
Thinking back to when this was painted, it's very likely that I was
listening to the late, great Tito Puente : )
"Mexican Tiles" - acrylic/canvas - 30" x 30"
By Karen Sloan
.

June 19, 2009

China Cabinet

Sometimes the real life and personality in a room setting is actually
from the inanimate objects.
This painting is from my daisy chair series.
"China Cabinet" - 18" x 24" - acrylic/canvas (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
.

June 18, 2009

Tiki Time


It's "Tiki Time".... Some more Polynesian Pop art.
Complete with patio lanterns for your new frontier...
If you love the limbo, then this painting is for you,
"Tiki Time" - acrylic/canvas 24" x 24" - available
by Karen Sloan
.

June 16, 2009

Retro..For the Kitchen



A little kitsch for the kitchen.
Mixer & Toaster!
Acrylic on canvas.
by Karen Sloan
Available at Raw Style Gallery in Los Angeles : )

June 15, 2009

Favourite Chair - by Karen Sloan


With this painting, I tried my best to give it a 3 dimensional look.
One major goal with what I do is to try to make objects appear to be jumping off of the canvas.
It's a challenge, but probably the most fun I get out of painting, and when I feel that it's
working out, that's even better!
"Favourite Chair" - 24" x 36" acrylic/canvas - available
by Karen Sloan
.

June 14, 2009

Blues Room - by Karen Sloan

As a fan of Mid-century modern interiors, (especially chairs!), this painting
was created with that thought in mind.
Sitting down in a comfortable, yet stylish, chair from that era whilst
listening to some excellent Jazz & Blues, is what made this image come to be.
"Blues Room" - 30" x 30" acrylic/canvas - available.
By Karen Sloan
.

June 12, 2009

Celebrate Friday! ~ "After Work"

This painting is pretty self explanatory.
Relaxing after a long day's work...And, it's Friday. : )
"After Work" - acrylic/canvas 24" x 24" (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
.

June 11, 2009

Spade Chair - by Karen Sloan

This work is from a series of paintings entitled "red walls". My studio has red walls, and surely that's been an influence. Quite like the French bistro look to it, and the way the chair beckons a person to sit down. And, the martini has already been ordered!
"Spade Chair" - 24"x 30" - acrylic - available
by Karen Sloan
.

June 03, 2009

Haliburton Landscapes - Karen Sloan



As an artist, I don't normally stray from the painting style I've developed, however, once in a while, the surroundings in which I live are difficult to ignore, due to the rugged and natural beauty of Haliburton, Ontario.
On the Canadian Shield, there are ample, scenic spots that catch one's eye,
and seem tailor made to be interpreted with brush to canvas.
Above are 2 examples of locations just up the road from where I live.
(For a larger view, just click the pictures. Thanks you : )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Top - Highland Colour - acrylic/canvas - 16x20 - SOLD
Bottom - End of the Rapids - acrylic/canvas - 18x24 - SOLD
.

June 02, 2009


Well, admittedly I'm not a "pink" kind of person, but sometimes pink is good.
Pink can be retro and bold. I like that!
These 2 paintings were completed recently, and I was happy
with the kitschy feel they have.
Thanks for viewing.
~left - "Ice Cream Galore" - 6"x 36" - acrylic on canvas
~right -"Vodka Martini's" - 6" x 36" - acrylic on canvas
~both (SOLD)
By Karen Sloan
.

May 29, 2009

"Music Is Instrumental" by Karen Sloan

Certainly as an artist, I have to strike while the iron is hot. Painted this today. A music study. Thinking I'll use it as a sketch and paint a larger one, taking my time to get it just right.
The title is obviously a play on words.
"Music Is Instrumental" 16" x 20"
acrylic on canvas
by Karen Sloan
.

May 28, 2009

Composition Room - Karen Sloan


A newly completed painting.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a "music room" in your house?!
"Composition Room" - acrylic on canvas - 16" x 20"
(SOLD)
by Karen Sloan

May 26, 2009

"Two Guitars " by Karen Sloan


"Two Guitars" acrylic on canvas - 12" x 14" - available

By Karen Sloan
.

Latin Jazz - by Karen Sloan

When I paint my musical interiors, I like to add a painting within a painting.
Usually it's has a jazzy, cubist flavour to it. Sometimes, though, I like the
whole picture to look like that!
Admittedly, I may have went a little "beyond" with this painting,
but that's why it's one of the favourites that I've ever done.
Was listening to a lot of latin music at this point, and really feel that different
kinds of music affects the way things turn out on the canvas.
"Latin Jazz" 36" x 48" acrylic on canvas (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan

May 24, 2009

"A Very Grand Piano" - Karen Sloan

Well, since I can't play a musical instrument to save my life, and have such admiration
for those who can, the next best thing was to paint one.
This one is complete with candelabra, martini, and really big notes!
Perhaps it's worthy of Donald Fagen, Billy Joel, or even the late, great Liberace? ; )
This painting image has since been published in a book called
The Spirituality Of Music” –by John Bird
by Wood Lake Publishing Inc. – Featured on Page 75.
(ISBN # 978-1-896836-88-1)
.

"Guitars & Orchids"


Guitar & Orchids - acrylic on canvas - 16x20 (SOLD)
by Karen Sloan
Artist and singer, Prince, purchased this painting. A wee feather in my cap!

May 23, 2009

Curtain Call

"Curtain Call" - acrylic/canvas 16"x 20" - available.
Made to order, with pizza included.

Tiki Bar - Some Polynesian Pop art!

It turns out that there is a whole sub-culture dedicated to Polynesian Pop art. I think this is just great! I mean, who'd of thought?! I stumbled upon this whole idea because I have a couple tiki mugs that look really retro, and just a little bit kitschy.
Everyone needs a little kitsch in their life ; )
"Tiki Bar" - acrylic on canvas 16" x 20"
by Karen Sloan
-available.

May 19, 2009

Bachelor Pad - Swinging!


"Bachelor Pad"
acrylic on canvas 18 "x 22"


Most of my paintings are completed whilst I am listening to the music of Steely Dan, Donald Fagen's smooth voice, and the satirical lyrics that I keep trying to figure out.
I am an unabashedly and unashamedly huge fan of theirs.. (See bottom of this blog page for more info)
Anyhow, while painting this picture, in particular, I was listening to Donald Fagen's solo album, entitled "the Nightfly". It's compilations are more than groovy.
What's next, you ask? Picking favourite Dan tunes and painting imagery from the lyrics. : )

May 17, 2009

Kitsch-In - by Karen

This is a painting of my kitchen, well, the bones are there. My kitchen is not quite as colourful as this representation, and, it's also a little more tidy than mine at the moment!
I'm really digging retro and kitsch these days. Hope you do too!
Thanks for viewing.
"Kitsch-In" 18" x 24" acrylic on canvas - Karen Sloan
(SOLD)
.

May 11, 2009

Pool Party @ Wall Flower Studio : )


Well, since BBQ season is now upon us,
I thought I'd celebrate that fact with a painting, honouring the ancient use of fire to cook our food. (Well, actually, that's really just artist speak nonsense!)
Really, I just wanted to paint a back yard that I'd love to be hanging out in right now.
Thanks for viewing. : )
Pool Party - acrylic/canvas - 18" x 24"
Available.

May 01, 2009

Lounge - by Karen Sloan

Newest painting. Just completed. "Lounge"...Avec Martini, of course ; )
24" x 24" acrylic on canvas - by Karen Sloan
(SOLD)

April 30, 2009

Pie a la Carte - acrylic painting by Karen


A Bistro setting...Checkered floors, red walls. With "Jazz & Conversation"!

Acrylic on canvas ~ 30" x 40" (SOLD)

-by Karen Sloan
.

April 09, 2009

Bedtime At Wall Flower Studio ; )

After watching "Alice In Wonderland" and reading some Dr. Suess books with my son, this painting, Bedtime, appeared on my canvas. Was quite pleased with it, and it sold right away. Always a good feeling when someone appreciates new work enough to hang it in their home.
"Bedtime" - Original acrylic/canvas 24" x 24" Karen Sloan - Sold
Nighty-nite!

April 07, 2009

Nite Life - Karen Sloan

How about experiencing some swinging "Nite Life". Grab that martini and get going!
Original acrylic on canvas - 30" x 30" - sold - Karen Sloan

Record Player - Karen Sloan

Good music can even make the furniture want to get up and dance!
Original acrylic on canvas - 24" x 24" - Karen Sloan
Available at the Tay River Gallery.

Red Slippers - Karen Sloan


A somewhat surreal sanctuary, complete with cosy red slippers.
Original acrylic on canvas - 36" x 48" - Karen Sloan