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Lost Photos, Found Paintings by Karen Maddox
Lost Photos, Found Paintings embodies 51
two-dimensional works consisting of self-,
individual- and group-portraits. As oil
portraiture is my area of focus, the majority of
the paintings are rendered in oil on canvas, a few
small acrylic pieces, one watercolor and eight
water-soluble oil pastel drawings. What began
as a vehicle to deal with bereavement of family
members who gave encouragement along life’s
journey—grew to become original oil on canvas
compositions inspired by copies made before loss of family photo album which
symbolize life’s memorable moments. As the conceptual process progressed, I
found through applying varying thicknesses of oil paints on canvas experimenting
with various brush strokes; compositional elements within several works are
comparable to the storytelling of Vermeer, Tanner & Hayden, impressionism of
Renoir & Manet, multiple portraiture processes of Rembrant &Van Gogh, and
surrealism of Chagall. Representative of one life that has run full circle—returning
to fine art after disabling health conditions ended a 30+year secretarial career,
caregiving and loss of loved ones—hopefully God’s love will shine throughout this
body of work so all viewers can identify with life moments shared within.
More portraits are planned and all will be prepared for gallery showing upon
completion of the total body of work. The following pieces were added from periods
representative of instruction prior to painting class (Working on A Dream was
completed in Sharon Leightty’s 2016 Fine Arts 305 class) followed by four self-
portraits created under instruction of Professor Mark Priest. Placement order is
reflective of skill growth starting with 16 self-portraits quickly rendered at this
semester’s beginning under instruction of Professor Tiffany Calvert (a few were
revisited). Water-soluble oil pastel drawings and oil paintings with themes from
1950’s through 1990s were added to reinforce the idea of an actual photo album as
follows: Working on A Dream (36x24 watercolor on canvas – This self-portrait rendered in the
dreamlike surrealistic manner of Marc Chagall), 16x20 oil on canvas Self-Portraits #1,2,3,4,
Feeling Red, All Lit Up--Van Gogh On The Wall, 18x24 water soluble oil pastels On the Town,
Out and About. Sittin’ on the Porch, Once Upon A Time in the Projects, Ladies Night Out, One
Sunday Morning, Family Joy, The Gang’s All Here, Daddy & Derrick Wading in the Water, 36x24
oil on canvas, Birthday Backyard Surprise Cookout, 16x20 oil on stretched canvas, Happy Cook
16x20 canvas print and Wedding Party, 20x24 oil on canvas.
Lost Photos, Found Paintings A Body of Work in-Progress Consisting of 51 Pieces
1. Mom and My Two Oldest Sisters – 14x18 oil on canvas
This painting was inspired by a copy of a professionally taken
photograph during World War II of my Mother and siblings Vivia
Mae and Barbara Ann. It is also representative of her encouragement
to always put one’s best foot forward in all your endeavors.
2. High School Prom 1975 (Home-made Prom Dress)
11x14 oil on stretched canvas - Inspired by photo taken at Theodore
Ahrens Vocational-Technical High School’s Class of 1975 prom, as a
member of the yearbook staff, booster club, National Honor Society,
GE-sponsored Project TEAM and part-time counter girl at McDonalds
after school from 10th through 12th grades, sewing was among my
outside interests. (Although TEAM was cut-off, with business classes
completed at Ahrens & WKU/UofL/SAC/WCU/JCC and clerk-typist
summer jobs I was able to have a 30+ year secretarial career ending
2012 due to disabling medical conditions. Combined with delayed
SSD/SSI benefit payment, this ironically led to pursuing Fine Art
degree in my senior years.)
3. About the Author – 16x20 oil on canvas
Rembrandt’s self-portrait Wearing a White Feathered Bonnet is
comparable to About the Author in that both are indicative of
fashionable dress; he never took himself too seriously nor do I.
Momma took a photo following professional photographer session for
book Definition.
4. Life is A Beach – Derrick (foreground), Bryant and Kimmie
(middle ground) 36x24 oils on stretched canvas.
This painting was inspired by a copy of a photo taken during my
sister Denise’s second trip, she brought her children and Daddy along.
I was working (recently promoted from Mission Analysis department
in the Aeronutronic Division secretary to Senior Secretary of the
Missile Systems Operations DIVAD Division of Ford Aerospace &
Communications Corporation in Newport Beach days and completing
classes toward Associate in Arts degree at Santa Ana Community
College nights.) Derrick showed them various sites during the visit.
(California group vignette)
5. Daddy and Derrick Wading in the Water, 18x24 water soluble oil
pastels
This painting was inspired by a copy of a photo taken during my
sister Denise’s second trip, she brought her children and Daddy
along. (I was working days and completing classes toward AA
degree at Santa Ana Community College nights.) Derrick showed
them various sites during the visit. (California group vignette)
6. Derrick – In U.S. Marines Dress Blues – 11x14 oil on stretched
canvas -This was inspired by photo published in the Courier Journal as
an inductee headed to Camp LeJune, NC, this painting attempted to
capture the tough “Leatherneck” expression—shortly after graduating
high school. He died of Leukemia at 38. One of his letters from Camp
LeJune to me at Western Kentucky University included a poem he’d
written while closing the letter. His pen began to run out of ink. I titled
the poem “Ending Lines” and in honor of his memory, included in my
books “A Little Something” and “From Beneath the Surface”.
7. Uncle Lem – In Formal U.S. Army Dress – 16x20 oil on stretched
canvas - The American flag and globe indicate all places he traveled
as a serviceman. A commonality is found in Vermeer’s The
Astronomer, 1668—the astronomer creates travel routes and the
serviceman follows those routes.
8. Wearin’ My Hat & Carrying to My Roadmap – 11x14 oil on canvas
This painting was inspired by professional photo taken for
author section of A Little Something—a book of poems written from
childhood through my 20’s.
9. Wearin’ My Hat and Pointing to My Roadmap – 11x14 oil on canvas
This painting was inspired by professional photo taken for
author section of A Little Something—a book of poems written from
childhood through my 20’s.
10. Sade & Maury – 11x14 stretched canvas
My sister’s youngest daughter and grandchild both smiled in a candid
photograph that inspired this painting. It was a beautiful sunny day so
reflections of light added another dimension.
At time of Momma’s April 2013 hospitalization, Sade’s son, Maury
was born. He brought so much joy before she passed in August.
Painting based on photo taken following her funeral.
11. Three Around Red Truck, 16x20 oil on
canvas – taken during Denise’s first visit to
California. I tried to capture background
scenery by applying paint using light brush
strokes.
12. Carefree in Cali’ I – Denise’s Visit
20 x20 canvas board - At the time, I was
working full time at Ford Aerospace and
taking night classes at Santa Ana
Community College where I finally
finished an Associate in Arts Degree in
Business Administration. As you can see
my brother Derrick and I were happy to
see sister, Denise who dropped in from
Louisville on a surprise visit. The photo
flash appears as a figural outline.
13. Carefree in Cali’ II – Partyin’ at
Renda’s 24x24 stretched canvas - I’d
found a job at AM Documentor as
secretary to the Western Regional Sales
Manager. My oldest sister Vivia came to
stay a while, Renda threw an impromptu
welcome. The photo flash appears as a
figural outline.
14. Mom and Aunt Lou (in Cleveland, OH before Eye
Surgery) – 16x20 oil on stretched canvas. The camera
flash was noticed more on the lower portion of the
photograph. This appears as an outline on the lower
portion of the painting.
15. Vivia Mae Linton, R,N. – 16x20 oil on stretched
canvas
This portrait is based on photo of nursing school
graduation of oldest sister.
15 QUICK SELF-PORTRAITS
16. A Look in the Mirror, 9x12 oil on flat canvas sheet
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images which share
theme similarity with this piece.
17. Happy Day, 9x12 oil on flat canvas sheet
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images
which share theme similarity with this piece.
18. Surprise, 9x12 oil on flat canvas sheet
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images which
share theme similarity with this piece.
19. T.V. Make-Up, 9x12 oil on flat canvas sheet
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images
which share theme similarity with this piece.
20. Auntie Karen, oil on flat canvas (need
measurement—random remnant used) –
Revised 3/23/18
21. By Pond in Chickasaw Park, 11x14 oil on flat canvas sheet
22. Modelling in Santa Ana, CA Civic Center, 11x14 oil on flat canvas sheet
23. Color of Me, acrylic on 11x14 stretched canvas
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images which share
theme similarity with this piece but color variation was added. It is an opposite
painting of Me 7.
24. Me 7”, oil on 11x14 stretched canvas
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images which share
theme similarity with this piece.
25. Out of Character, 5x7 acrylic on flat canvas sheet
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images which share
theme similarity with this piece.
26. Not Quite Me, 5x7 acrylic on flat canvas sheet
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images which share
theme similarity with this piece.
27. Taking Dictation, oil on flat canvas sheet (need
measurements—random remnant used)
Taking Dictation also shares the subject of writing with
Vermeer’s A Lady Writing, although the women are of different
times and backgrounds. Painted from photo taken by WLKY
photographer during Anchor Ken Roland’s interview on the
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Headquarters and genealogical Library relocating to Louisville,
KY while I was working as a correspondence secretary. I
worked there five years before accepting executive secretary to
AM Documentor’s Western Regional Sales Manager position in
Southern California.
28. Secretary by Day, Full-Time Student Working
Toward A Business Degree Nights 1977, 16x20 oil on
canvas
This painting’s theme is comparable in subject to
Vermeer’s Woman Holding a Balance in that both are
balancing something; the lady and her craft, the
secretary/student balances work and school with a goal
of getting ahead. Inspired by photo taken while
working full-time days as mail-clerk/pbx relief
switchboard operator/steno-clerk and carrying 12
hours of business classes nights at UofL (as an effort
to keep going after a personal attack in third semester
at Western Kentucky University). Needless to say,
grade point average dropped to 1.999 so I decided to
focus on work to pay all outstanding debt and return to
complete bachelors degree in business later. Life
changed plans, health no longer allows ability to
perform duties at pay level sufficient to cover bills.
With denial of benefits earned, new loans made to
return to c ollege in later years to complete BFA with
hopes to work as a professional artisty from home.
29. Playing the Guitar – 16x20 oil on canvas
Henry O. Tanner’s The Banjo Lesson has elements
I’ve compared with the instrument is part of the
central theme of each painting.
The shadow created by the camera flash was
noticed only slightly around the hands but more
around the lower portion of the face and blended
with the black couch. An attempt to capture that
aspect was made.
30. Playing the Bongos – 16x20 oil on canvas
Henry O. Tanner’s The Banjo Lesson has elements
I’ve compared with the instrument is part of the central
theme of each painting.
The shadow created by the camera flash was noticed
only slightly around the hair and face but it was well-
defined areas around bongos and portions of the hands
with the balance of shadows blending in with the black
couch. An attempt to capture that aspect was made.
Added Framed Works with hanging wire:
31. Wedding Party, 20x24 oil on stretched canvas
During the late 2002 following the first & last trip
taken upon Mom’s recovery of major stroke;
sibling’s pitched in with caregiving so I could go to
Chicago modelling convention then to International
Poetry Society convention in Hollywood, California.
I saw so many weddings but no camera. I’d just
returned to Louisville and noticing horses lining up
in front of a church en route, I stopped in CVS to
purchase a disposable camera. After obtaining
permission to take pictures of the horses, the
wedding party began to come out. Later when
developed photos were received, there were no clear
images of the horses. However, I got a good picture
of the wedding party. This picture along with
portrait of Momma were the first two painted after
her first major stroke.
32. Out and About, 18x24 – part of a series of water
soluble oil pastels (Framed 21 H x 27W)
Inspired by a 1950’s photo, this painting’s
theme elements—social setting but barmaid is in
background rather than foreground reminded me of Manet’s
A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. Although more dress was
more informal for a warm day with formal table setting,
Renoir’s Boating Party share commonalities of a social
gathering of fashionably dressed people around an informal
a table setting rendered in an impressionistic style.
33. On the Town, 18x24 – part of a series of water soluble
oil pastels (Framed 23 H x 29W)
Inspired by a 1950’s photo, this painting’s
theme elements—social setting but barmaid is in
background rather than foreground reminded me of
Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. Although more dress
was more informal for a warm day with formal table
setting, Renoir’s Boating Party share commonalities of a
social gathering of fashionably dressed people around an
informal a table setting rendered in an impressionistic style.
34. Ladies Night Out, 36x24 oil on
stretched canvas - Inspired by a 1950’s
photo, this painting’s theme elements
reminded me of Manet’s A Bar at the
Folies-Bergère and Renoir’s Boating
Party.
Every now and then, a break from the
routine of housewife and caregiver to
everyone but yourself is needed. Its nice
to get dressed up and step out awhile. The
three figures represent my aunt, a family
friend and mother having a ladies night
out. The camera flash in the dark lit bar
highlighted the table, bottles and glasses
which is reflected within this composition.
35. Sittin’ on the Porch, 18x24– part of a
series of water soluble oil pastels (Framed 21
H x 27W)
My parents lived on Rose Lane Court in the
Shepherd’s square Housing Projects when I
was born in the Louisville General Hospital.
This painting was inspired by photo of my
oldest brother and a neighbor sitting on the
porch during the 1950’s.
36. Once Upon A Time in the Projects,
18x24– part of a series of water soluble oil
pastels (Framed 21 H x 27W)
Palmer Hayden’s Midsummer Night in
Harlem compares to subject content of
everyday people socializing in an urban
setting. My parents separated after youngest
sister was born. After a series of moves to
various home addresses in the Smoketown
area, Vivia and Barbara moved to Cleveland,
OH to live with our Great grandmother and
Grandmother. Momma moved the remaining
seven to the Cotter Homes in Louisville’s
West End.
37. One Sunday Morning, 18x24– part of a
series of water soluble oil pastels (Framed
21 H x 27W)
Palmer Hayden’s Midsummer Night in
Harlem compares to subject content of
everyday people after church or socializing
in an urban setting. Derrick, Wanda and I
were photographed after Easter Sunrise
services after church.
38. Family Joy, 18x24– part of a series of water
soluble oil pastels (Framed 21 H x 27W)
Palmer Hayden’s Midsummer Night in Harlem
compares to subject content of everyday people
socializing in an urban setting. Sister, Wanda,
with husband Marc got
A surprise visit from sister, Denise’s,
children, Stephayne, Kimberly and
Bryant.
39. The Gang’s All Here, 18x24– part of a series
of water soluble oil pastels (Framed 21 H x 27W)
While driving through Shawnee Park en route to
California, I stopped to take a photo with my
brother, nephews and a friend.
Added Unframed Works:
40. Self-Portrait #1, 16x20 oil on stretched canvas
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images
which shares theme similarity with this piece.
41. Self-Portrait #2, 16x20 oil on stretched canvas
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images
which shares theme similarity with this piece.
42. Self-Portrait #3, 16x20 oil on stretched canvas
Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of self-portraits from mirror images
which shares theme similarity with this piece.
43. Feeling Red, 16x20 oil on stretched canvas –
While painting this portrait from a mirror image, a series of
paralyzing spasms went throughout my body while experimenting
with red lighting. One must stop and wait for muscles to contract as
constriction seems to last an eternity. Between attacks, I attempted
to capture the look of helplessness endured as overwhelmingly
intense pain passes.
44. All Lit Up--Van Gogh On The Wall, 16x20 oil on
stretched canvas
Painted at home, this experimental self-portrait work
attempted to capture rays of white light beaming through
the window from above. A implied image of Vincent
Van Gogh’s The Café Terrace painting hangs on the
background wall.
45. Working on A Dream, 36x24 watercolor on stretched canvas –
This self-portrait rendered in the dreamlike surrealistic manner of Marc
Chagall.
46. Backyard Birthday Surprise Cookout, 16x20
oil on stretched canvas.
This is another experimental work. I had no
camera on hand but tried to capture with my
mind’s eye a surprise birthday party in my niece’s
back yard. There was good food, dancing, and
enjoyment for all. Sunlight beamed through the
trees that shaded areas creating a play on light I
tried to capture with brush & paint.
47. Happy Cook, 18x24 canvas print of original
8.5x11 oil on panel
This painting was inspired by a copy of a photo
taken of first signs of joy returning to Momma
after Derrick’s death. The camera flash created a
shadow of which gives this composition added
dimension.
48. Stopping by Mom’s Before Stepping Out –
16x20 oil on canvas - In July, before the
September 11th attack, I’d received first positive
diagnosis with regard to rehabilitation following
1997 back injuries. To celebrate, I purchased
tickets to take Momma to the Bahamas.
Unknowingly, she’d had a mini-stroke at the
time rendered here. She insisted I go out
dancing and do something to enjoy life. My
sister Rhonda talked me into buying dress
shown because my
wardrobe was conservatively oriented for work.
On 9/11, ill again, Momma asked to cancel,
upon turning on television after returning tickets
for reimbursement, I saw planes attacking the
twin towers and people dropping out windows.
She had a major stroke on Christmas day the
same year.
49. Allon, oil on 11x14 stretched canvas
Good friends along with family often enrich life by simply being
there—oftentimes unknowingly helping more than they know. A photo
taken with light surrounding him was the inspiration for this painting.
50. Trent, oil on 11x14 stretched canvas
My cousin who died of cancer shortly after last tour as a Master
Sargeant in the U.S. Army. As a teen, once told me I had no class—
meaning after I was made, the mold was thrown away. He was always
joyful.
51. JoAnn, oil on 11x14 stretched canvas
At the end of a road trip from Cleveland to visit Momma, my cousin JoAnn
seemed to melt in the black leather couch. I caught her off guard with my
camera resulting in the inspiration for this painting. Trent’s mother, a
wonderful niece who loved my mother dearly and cousin. She is a
beautiful example of love in action that my paintbrush could not begin to
capture on canvas.
Lost Photos, Found Paintings – original oil paintings created from copies of lost photographs and
thereby restoring memories. Installed exhibition in UofL Hite Art Gallery 3/30/18.
Art studio workspace
MISCELLANEOUS
2017-2018 UofL Eckstrom Library’s
University Writing Center Gallery
2018-2019 His Eye Is On The Sparrow 11x14, acrylic on canvas—mixed media