DEMAREST—The Demarest Public Library will showcase the work of Karen Maloof in an exhibition, “Impressions,” featuring her oil paintings on panel throughout March.
Maloof, a seasoned artist with a background in photography, has developed a distinct style that captures light, shadow, and the emotional presence of place. Her work explores the symbiotic relationship between architecture and landscape, evoking the sentiment that, in her words, “if walls could talk.”
From Photography to Painting
A Syracuse University graduate (B.S. in social work, 1977), Maloof discovered her passion for black-and-white photography in college, honing her skills at the community darkroom in the Newhouse Communications School. She later moved to New York City, where she worked as a paralegal by day while interning at Photographics Unlimited, a professional darkroom and studio facility.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Maloof became known for “Karen Maloof Painted Photography,” a unique fusion of black-and-white printing techniques, transparent oils, and colored pencils. Her distinctive, serene imagery was internationally published by companies including Avanti, Chromaline, Catch Publishing, and Portal, and was acquired by numerous corporate, hospital, and private collections.
By the late 1990s, Maloof had transitioned entirely to painting, moving away from her photographic roots to create purely hand-rendered landscapes and structures.
“Though I no longer use photography as my canvas, my fascination with capturing light and shadow remains central to my work,” Maloof said.
Exploring Narrative Through Art
Maloof’s paintings reflect her curiosity about the stories embedded in architecture. She is drawn to the character of places—abandoned farmhouses, historic storefronts, and quiet streets—and the emotions they evoke.
“I question the character of the people reflected by a structure. Who walked through the door? What laughter, what tears were shared within its walls?” she said.
While she works in realism, Maloof deliberately alters what she sees, adjusting composition, contrast, and color balance to strengthen the emotional impact of her paintings. She works en plein air (outdoors) as well as in her studio, using traditional oil and water-based oil paints, referencing her value studies, photographs, and memory to bring her vision to life.
Maloof cites Richard Schmid, Edward Hopper, and Berthe Morisot as her greatest artistic influences.
Recent Exhibitions
Maloof’s work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including:
- American Artists Professional League, Realism on the Hudson (2025)
- Ridgewood Art Institute, 45th RAI Annual Open Juried Show (2025)
- Edward Hopper House Museum, Deep Within (2024)
- Rowayton Arts Center, Masters Show (2024)
- Jane St. Arts Center, Welcome Home (2024)
- Visit the Exhibit
For more information about the artist, visit karenmaloofartist.com.