Karen Merkin

About the Artist

Art was always an important part of my life while growing up at the New Jersey shore. As a child I loved copying detailed illustrations in books. My favorite gift was a new box of 64 crayons and a coloring book. I attended University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in elementary education; and received a Masters Degree in special education of the deaf from Temple University, Philadelphia.  With no formal art training, my husband introduced me to oil painting and I was hooked. When my children were young I started a needlepoint business, selling my original designs on needlepoint canvas. I sold my designs to stores and through a national catalog. For the last several years having more free time, I have started taking weekly art classes and intense weekend workshops to elevate my skills. To capture details in everyday objects, my paintings are created in a photorealistic style. Walking on a city street or at a farmers market or at a car show I'll take many photos to recreate a scene that inspired me. I enjoy painting in my home studio every day. My favorite subjects to paint are classic cars that have been restored to their original beauty. I love to create “Car Portraits” that show the reflections of light on the chrome and glass. My artwork has been juried into art exhibitions both locally and nationally, winning many awards. I am affiliated with The Artists Gallery in Chestertown and Artists In Middleburg gallery in Middleburg, VA. 

Artist's Statement

I am drawn to the colors around me, especially the play of light and shadow on those colors. Painting in a photorealistic style, the greatest reward comes when my image is thought to be a photograph.