Karen Barton Animal Paintings

Artist Comments
Five blue butterflies spread their wings across a soft, neutral background. Their graceful arrangement evokes a sense of freedom and tranquility. This painting ...

Artist Comments
"This vintage cat food tin was too cute to pass by - it just had to be painted," says artist Karen Barton. She describes her paintings as being "of a historical nature." She seeks out subject matter that represents contemporary culture and also acts as a timeless icon. The results are aesthetically pleasing little pieces that offer a freeze frame of our fast changing culture and attach to personal memories.

About the Artist
Oil painter Karen Barton creates records of everyday objects through a historical and sentimental lens. With works that feature the ingredients of a PB sandwich or the iconic blue Morton's Salt container, Karen makes a connection through the goods that reach into our homes and possibly to our childhoods. As she explains, "my paintings are of a historical nature. They mostly represent contemporary culture and our current time in history while others are ‘timeless icons.'" Karen collects her subjects at local grocery, hardware, or antique stores where she often attracts curious stares while she intently examines the items. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Karen shares a studio with her artist husband, which she describes as a busy looking place with art supplies and a bright yellow futon with Libby, their beloved studio dog.

Words that describe this painting: cat, pet, animal, pop art, Andy Warhol, still life, can, animals, pop, still life, representational, oil painting, blue

For Cats...

Artist Comments
"This sweet little koala had a most adorable expression," says Karen. "This painting conveys the kind and lovable soul that these wonderful animals have." Par...

Artist Comments
"This beautiful Boston Terrier was eye-catching," says Karen. "Its curious expression and inquisitive look begged to be painted." Part of Karen's newest series ...

Artist Comments
"This little Chihuahua had a totally adorable expression," says Karen. "Its sweet eyes, gentle smile and low cast ears could make even the most rugged heart melt." Part of Karen's newest series of animal portraits, focused on capturing the individual personalities of her subjects. She pairs each character with a complementary backdrop to frame their mood, expression and markings. The piece was painted on Arches heavyweight oil paper and then archivally adhered to a cradled panel. It comes ready to hang.

About the Artist
Oil painter Karen Barton creates records of everyday objects through a historical and sentimental lens. With works that feature the ingredients of a PB sandwich or the iconic blue Morton's Salt container, Karen makes a connection through the goods that reach into our homes and possibly to our childhoods. As she explains, "my paintings are of a historical nature. They mostly represent contemporary culture and our current time in history while others are ‘timeless icons.'" Karen collects her subjects at local grocery, hardware, or antique stores where she often attracts curious stares while she intently examines the items. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Karen shares a studio with her artist husband, which she describes as a busy looking place with art supplies and a bright yellow futon with Libby, their beloved studio dog.

Words that describe this painting: dog, animal, Chihuahua, animals, representational, oil painting, pink

Little Love Bug...

Artist Comments
"The Corgi wins hearts in an instant," says Karen. "This dog's friendly, curious expression and bright beautiful smile begged to be painted." Part of Karen's ne...

Artist Comments
"The sweet expression on this pup speaks volumes," says Karen. "Dogs have a way of saying I adore you." Part of Karen's newest series of animal portraits, focus...

Artist Comments
"Bright eyes, a winning smile, and a pink tongue can melt any heart," says Karen. Part of her newest series of animal portraits, focused on capturing the individual personalities of her subjects. She pairs each character with a complementary backdrop to frame their mood, expression and markings. The piece was painted on Arches heavyweight oil paper and then archivally adhered to a cradled panel. It comes ready to hang.

About the Artist
Oil painter Karen Barton creates records of everyday objects through a historical and sentimental lens. With works that feature the ingredients of a PB sandwich or the iconic blue Morton's Salt container, Karen makes a connection through the goods that reach into our homes and possibly to our childhoods. As she explains, "my paintings are of a historical nature. They mostly represent contemporary culture and our current time in history while others are ‘timeless icons.'" Karen collects her subjects at local grocery, hardware, or antique stores where she often attracts curious stares while she intently examines the items. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Karen shares a studio with her artist husband, which she describes as a busy looking place with art supplies and a bright yellow futon with Libby, their beloved studio dog.

Words that describe this painting: dog, portrait, animal, pug, animals, representational, oil painting, blue

Make a Big Smile...

Artist Comments
"This bunny rabbit was full of expression," says Karen. "Its sweet eyes and cute mouth tell a great story." Part of Karen's newest series of animal portraits, f...