She sampled just about every department available, but textile and fashion design eventually seized most of her attention. That course of study required a fair amount of drawing classes from the art department, and the introduction to life drawing was made. Many years and many experiences later, the focus of Cooper's work is again with the figure, intrigued by the stories that can be told with paintings of people, their postures, and their relationships to each other. In 2013, her husband accepted a position with a Russian agricultural company. For three years, they will be living and working in Russia. She likes to think it is causing her painting skills to prosper. To contact Karen, email karencooper@karencooperpaintings.com.